He has that Effect

“Perfect. It just worked out like a trial. Hopefully he’ll keep improving off that,” trainer driver Bob Butt said after The Lazarus Effect (Lazarus) won last night’s Allied Security Maurice Holmes Vase at Addington, earning himself an automatic entry into the New Zealand Cup.

The five year old who has a big following, began superfast from his ten metre handicap and in fifty metres was slotting into the one one with Wild Willow making the pace.

“It was a big help (beginning well) and it always is in these races.”

Over the back, Butt let The Lazarus Effect slide forward to take the top.

“He was actually hopeless in front tonight. He usually wears blinds but because he was fresh I left them off tonight. He’ll have them on next time.”

With no midrace challenges the gelding got away with some cheap sectionals and at the line had a length to spare over Mo’unga who charged home late, with Renegade a nose back in third.

THE LAZARUS EFFECT REPLAY

Dreams Are Free looked extremely unlucky, finishing fifth hard on the back of the winner.

The Lazarus Effect is expected to return to Addington in a fortnight for the $40,000 Group Three Avon City For New Brighton Cup.

Owned by the Alabar Racing Syndicate 2022, the win was the gelding’s thirteenth and took his earnings to over $300,000.

Meanwhile two year old colt Faith Not Fear (Captaintreacherous) lived up to his pedigree and private reputation when he impressively won on debut for Hayden and Amanda Cullen.

The full-brother to Captains Mistress and half to Merlin was given the perfect trip in the one one by driver Sam Ottley. As the field fanned out for the run home, Ottley hooked the colt out and once she pulled the head gear he powered home, winning by three quarters of a length from Fanfare who came off his back.

Denis and Mark Dunford paid $160,000 for Faith Not Fear at the 2025 NZB Standardbred Yearlings Sales in Christchurch.

It was also a great night for Alabar/Nevele based stallion Captain Crunch who left three winners at Addington – My Wingman, Eun Sogno and Touchdown Car Rentals Rising Stars winner Franco Ankara.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink