The Lazarus Effect explodes clear to secure a NZ Cup start

The Lazarus Effect (Lazarus) produced a devastating turn of speed to win the $35,800 Group 3 Avon City Ford New Brighton Cup at Addington on Friday night, securing himself a guaranteed start in the 2026 New Zealand Trotting Cup.

The Bob Butt-trained pacer was sent out a dominant harness racing favourite for the 2600m standing start feature and gave his supporters an early scare when he bobbled away. However, The Lazarus Effect was quickly back into his hopples and driver Bob Butt used the inside draw to hold the front.

From there, Butt was able to dictate proceedings before The Lazarus Effect showed his real speed in the home straight.

Asked to sprint about 150m from the finish, the son of Lazarus quickly put the result beyond doubt, accelerating clear to beat Borrisokane by two and three-quarter lengths, with Tact McLeod third.

THE LAZARUS EFFECT REPLAY

The Lazarus Effect stopped the clock at 3:12.5, with a 1:59.1 mile rate, but it was his closing speed that caught the eye. He ripped home his final 800m in a blistering 54.1 seconds and the last 400m in 27.3.

Butt admitted the beginning wasn’t perfect.

“He actually galloped into it, but once he had his straps he was alright.”

The performance in the straight was far more convincing, with Butt pointing to the five-year-old’s explosive acceleration as one of his greatest weapons.

“He’s just got that lethal sprint on him.”

There could also be further improvement to come, with Butt saying The Lazarus Effect was still not completely focused despite putting his rivals away.

“He was still mucking around a bit, looking up the straight, but he’s getting the job done.”

The victory also continued a remarkable family association with the New Brighton Cup, with Butt becoming the fourth generation of his family to win the race.

Meanwhile Butt had a number of horses at the trials at Rangiora on Wednesday.

The well-bred unraced three year old Heat Wave (Bettor’s Delight-The Orange Agent) ran second in his trial beaten by a neck by Delightful Galleon who is a full-sister to Cheer The Lady.

“Seth (Hill) drove him today and he was happy with him. He’s had two nice trials now, so we’ll find a race for him in a couple of weeks. He’s a handy maiden,” said Butt.

New addition to the stable Wag Star, (Sweet Lou) ran fourth in the R69-R116 stand. In front of him were quality pacers I’m Tough, Bettors Anvil and Republican Party.

“I can’t fault him really. He’s a pleasure to have round the place. He trialled up nice but blew out in the last 100 metres. He’s ready to start racing now. He’ll go to the Hannon next week.”

Gold Bullion (Father Patrick) finished second in his trial, beaten by a nose. The talented squaregaiter hasn’t been seen at the races for eight months.

“Rapt with his trial today. It was the first time off the place for a while. He’ll have another trial in the couple of weeks time.”

He’s the winner of six of his twenty starts but hasn’t won a race since December 2024.

“He’s always been a weak looking bugger so we thought we’d just give him a good spell to see whether he could strengthen him up a bit. He’s probably still on the weak looking side. Maybe that’s just him.”

Other Butt runners at the trials were Alderbaran Lobell (Muscle Mass) who finished third, while Ghostbusters (American Ideal) and Missing In Action (Bettor’s Delight) quinellaed the Non Win Mobile.

For complete race results, click here

By Harnesslink Media