Racing: Master Lavros faces increased workload

Master Lavros had the perfect run and loomed up to win at the 300m mark before battling into fourth, clearly outpointed by winner Habibti. Photo / Thinkstock

The man behind New Zealand's best trotter isn't panicking, even if Master Lavros is leaving punters licking their wounds.

Last season's Dominion and Rowe Cup winner has been a money muncher this season, beaten twice at Addington as a hot favourite in a week.

The first loss was simply brutal, the giant trotter galloping and losing all chance as a $1.40 favourite in his comeback race 11 days ago but the second, at Addington last Friday, was potentially more baffling for trainer Mark Jones.

Master Lavros had the perfect run and loomed up to win at the 300m mark before battling into fourth, clearly outpointed by winner Habibti.

That has cost him favouritism for next month's Dominion Hcp and continues a frustrating form rollercoaster over the past year when he usually wins or runs unplaced.

"It was disappointing," says Jones.

"But there is no point panicking so I am trying to concentrate on the positives. At least he trotted better last week so I'll put the performance down to trainer error.

"I think he blew out because he is not fit enough. That is my fault because last season I tried to look after him and worried about working him too hard.

"But he is bigger and stronger this season and I have to remember he is a racehorse, not an ornament."

So Jones has entered Master Lavros in a lowly $12,000 trot at Addington on Friday to ensure his fitness levels don't drop as the countdown to the New Zealand Cup Carnival begins.

"I know he will improve, and he will have to because Habibti was very good the other night.

"So we have our work cut out, but I am not losing faith."

Habibti wasn't the only big shortener after last Friday as she moved into Dominion favouritism, with Terror To Love now $2.50 to win the New Zealand Cup on November 11.

His sizzling win over Franco Nelson and Christen Me in the Canterbury Classic last Friday means unless Christen Me can do something dramatic in the Flying Stakes at Ashburton on October 27, Terror To Love will remain a warm favourite to win his record fourth Cup.

The major Cup player missing from last Friday's race was Smolda and he looked sharp winning at the Addington trials yesterday.

He beat stablemates Messini and Fly Like An Eagle over a standing start 2600m in 3:13, his last 800m in 55 seconds.

Smolda, rated a $9 chance for the Cup, will start off 30m in the Methven Cup on Sunday.

Another to impress at yesterday's trials was dual Jewels winner Venus Serena, who won her first public outing for the season with a 56-second last 800m.

Meanwhile, three Australian-trained pacers remain in New Zealand Cup contention, with the connection of For A Reason, Seel N Print and Abettorpunt all indicating they are keen to bring them to Addington.