Lazarus firms after draw

By Adam Hamilton

Lazarus moved a step closer to Victoria Cup glory after drawing better than his main rival Hectorjayjay in Saturday night’s $400,000 feature at Melton.

The Aussie TAB reacted immediately, shortening Lazarus from $1.90 to $1.40 from barrier six, while Hectorjayjay drew the back row (gate nine) and eased sharply from $2.70 to $5.

At first glance it seems to give Lazarus a big edge given one of Hectorjayjay’s biggest assets – his explosive gate speed – is negated by the back row.

But so much depends on how quick Lazarus begins from out wide and what others, most notably, slick beginner Major Crocker (gate two), do inside him.

The X-factor is the fact Hectorjayjay follows out Major Crocker.

One thing in Josh Aiken’s mind on Hectorjayjay will be the prospect of pushing through behind Major Crocker and trying to burrow underneath Lazarus to stay in front of him.

That would dramatically change the race.

Perhaps the race isn’t as clear cut at the it looked straight after the draw?

The other key runner in the draw was NSW star Bling It On, who drew awkwardly inside the back row and drifted from $11 to $17 on the Aussie TAB.

VICTORIA CUP BARRIER DRAW

Front row

1. Mach Doro $14
2. Major Crocker $31
3. Cruz Bromac $21
4. Tact Tate $17
5. Major Secret $51
6. Lazarus $1.40
7. John Of Arc $51

Back row

1. Bling It On $17
2. Hectorjayjay $5
3. Messini $41
4. Young Modern $51
5. Yayas Hot Spot (1^st em) $81
6. Allblack Stride $31

Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com

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