By Matt Markham
Mark Jones has a sound warning for punters who are expecting Master Lavros to just rock up and win tonight’s Canterbury Park Trotting Cup at Addington.
And it’s that even though he knows it might sound a little odd, he is adamant the battle in front of his star trotter tonight could be potentially tougher than his resumption last week.
It’s odd because last week they raced against, and were beaten by, Stent – the best trotter in Australasia and it’s even more obscure because Stent won’t be there tonight.
But Jones is one of those people who say’s things exactly as he sees them. And usually his word is one worth listening too. “If he can go as good as he did last week, he’s got to be hard to beat,’’ Jones said.
“But I’m not sure it’s going to be that easy, in fact I think it might be harder for him this week than it was last week. “We had a lot go right last week, he stepped away really well and found the front pretty easily and apart from Stent running past us it was a good effort.
“But there’s a few more horses to worry about, and a few more to get round earlier.’’ While last week’s defeat may have resulted in a little soul searching for the camp during the past seven days, there’s no real major concerns for Jones, his right hand man Regan Todd and Master Lavros’ owner, Kypros Kotzikas.
They know their charge will only get better every time he steps out on a track. The fear is that Stent will undoubtedly do the same. “He’s shown that right through his career that the more racing he has, the better he gets.
“This week has been a good one for him, we are happy with where we are at and just hoping he can take that next step.’’
Should he make another swift beginning and be able to dodge his way through the early traffic, Jones indicated he would again be looking to settle in a forward position.
But he’s learnt along the way that it’s better not to expect, but instead hope, with the big trotter. “When he gets the starts right, he really hits his straps quick. It’s a good asset to have because it means we can settle handy.
“I’m just really happy with the way he’s trotting at the moment, we are a long way ahead of where we were this time last year.’’
While priced at $1.90 with bookmakers for the Group III event, Master Lavros won’t get things all his own way if things do pan out early.
Dexter Dunn, Kevin Townley and Sheemon will be out to repair any dents in their reputation after the Motukarara flop while Kincaslough and Habibti will be much stronger for their fresh up runs last week.
The real interest in the race will be Southland trotter, Alley Way though. He’s now in the care of Colin and Julie DeFilippi and has looked strong in his workouts and trials.
Third behind Stent and Master Lavros in the Rowe Cup last year, he’s expected to make the next step this season.
Meanwhile, Jones is excited to be getting the chance to jump behind Choise Achiever in the Canterbury Classic.
The Tim Butt trained pacer has been excellent in his two runs to date, without having all the luck in the world, and will be certain to give a great account of himself again tonight.
“He’s going great, Tim has done a great job getting him back to where he is. “You know what you are going to get with him too, he will step away and get himself handy and then run on at the finish.
“He’s going just as good as most of them are.’’ Jones has an outside chance of getting himself in on the action in one of the three Super Series Finals at tonight’s meeting too.
Upset Timaru winner Fair Dinkum Bromac will line up in the last race of the night against an even field of pacers for new stable acquisition, Sam Ottley.
The All Stars trained Alta Ronaldo looks the toughest to role in the $23,500 event off the back of his fresh up effort although Cullect A Guiness is racing in fine fettle and will give the race a strong shake.
Franco Christiano, who hails from the Robert Dunn stable – the same as Cullect A Guiness, looks equally as tough to beat in the other pacing Super Series Final despite an outside barrier draw.
A last start Sires’ Stakes heat winner at Forbury, the unbeaten pacer comes up against arguably his toughest test to date with exciting pacers Ashton K and Zenmach also lining up for some of the big money.
The trotting final, early on in the night, could prove to be the perfect swansong for in-form trotting mare, The Earth Moved.
The Greg and Nina Hope trained runner meets a big field of square gaiters including Young Stranger who looked set to push her close last week before galloping. It is likely tonight will be the last start for The Earth Moved as she is booked for a mating with Love You.
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