Interest in fresh faces in Taylor Mile

There’ll be many eyes on The Lazarus Effect (Lazarus) and Got The Chocolates (Art Major) as they take on a handful of hardened free for allers, including Australian champion Swayzee, in the Taylor Mile at Alexandra Park on Friday.

“It’s a very good field. It’s one of those races that any horse in the field could win with luck. And it’s another step up for him from what he was racing here a month ago. Hopefully he can keep stepping up to the challenges,” said driver of The Lazarus Effect Bob Butt.

Both Got The Chocolates and The Lazarus Effect are relatively new to the grade, but without doubt are not going to be out of place at this level. While Got The Chocolates has drawn the inside of the second row, The Lazarus Effect draws four.

“Happy enough with the draw. There is speed inside and outside of us. It’s one of those races that you can’t go into with any set plan. You just have to work it out as it’s unfolding. He’s very adaptable -that’s the best thing about him. He can come off the gate and he can come off a helmet. He’s just a great little racehorse.”

The interest in this year’s Taylor Mile has certainly gone to the next level with not only the presence of two of the rising stars in the pacing ranks but the appearance of Swayzee.

“He’s awesome. A champion. And he adds so much to the race with the way he races. He puts speed in the race and you can’t go in half ready. They’re going to go some. It depends on what happens early and when Swayzee goes. He’ll be part of everyone’s strategy. If he gets up handy it makes it hard for drivers to make a move.”

The Lazarus Effect’s preparation for the Auckland trip was topped off by an excellent trial at Ashburton which he won by six lengths, running his 800 in 53.7 and from the 400 in 25.8.

After the Taylor Mile, the New Zealand Messenger and Roy Purdon Memorial will offer all horses more opportunities and harness racing fans more excitement.

“Over the next three weeks it should be great racing up here.”

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink