by Matt Markham
The Rowe Cup carnival in Auckland is the next major aim for returning open class trotter, Master Lavros.
Despite being surprisingly beaten by Monty Python at Omakau early in the New Year, the big gelding’s trainer, Mark Jones, wasn’t phased and is pressing on with his plans as he looks towards Auckland.
After his stunning fresh up win at Addington in December, Master Lavros just never quite looked as dominant when at Central Otago and Jones couldn’t quite pinpoint why. After leading throughout the majority of the event, Master Lavros was collared in the shadows of the post by Monty Python who had enjoyed the run in the trail behind him.
“It was disappointing to be beaten, I thought with the run he probably should have won,” Jones said.
“But it’s going to happen from time to time, the most important thing is he’s sound and healthy.”
There were some thoughts to head to Australia with the two-time Dominion Handicap winner but the Omakau result put to bed any chances of that.
Jones will instead focus on keeping the free-wheeling trotter ticking over through the rest of this month with some options available at Addington in the coming weeks.
There are Free-For-All trots on January 27 and also February 17 as well as a host of handicap races in which Jones can target.
“The main aim is to keep him happy and sound and hopefully we can get him to Auckland.
“We will make that the main aim now and really push towards that.”
Whether or not he can recapture his best open class form remains to be seen, but even the thought of his big hulking frame back in the feature trotting races will be a welcomed prospect considering the current state of affairs in our open class ranks.
Meanwhile, Saveapatrol, another Jones trained runner on the comeback trail continues to progress nicely as he comes back from yet another injury in his disrupted career.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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