MASTER LAVROS ENDS TERM WITH BACK-TO-BACK WINS
Top squaregaiter Master Lavros, despite a troubled 6YO season, has added a $75,726 seasonal tally to his career earnings before heading for a winter recess.
The giant-sized Sundon gelding rapt up his season emphatically in slushy conditions at Addington on Friday, May 17.
Master Lavros, wrapped up his 6YO racing with another strong win on Friday night.
The back-to-back end of term Addington wins for Master Lavros has restored his reputation in the top grade.
These were the only two wins for his 6YO season in 11 starts, but his bankroll now stands at $427,194.
Master Lavros, a short-priced $1.50 favourite in the $18,400 Walker Davey Ltd Free-For-All Trot, was untroubled from an outside front row draw to head second favourite King Denny after the opening 400m.
From there, Overport Lodge trainer-driver Mark Jones was always in control with Master Lavros.
He was too advanced for his 4YO rival, clearing out to win untested by 7 1/2 lengths in 3:17.5 (mobile 2600m).
Last season’s Trotter of the Year quickened over his last 800m in 59.4s and final 400m in 28.2s.
Meanwhile, 2YO trot stablemate Arannalea picked up some good placemoney with a third to the Allstars stablemates, High Gait and Missandei, in the $55,200 Lone Star Riccarton Sires Stakes 2YO Trotters Championship.
The Pegasus Spur half-sister to Beau Brummell made a good attempt to try and lead throughout.
She showed good gate speed to run to a clear lead but was swamped by the Mark Purdon-Natalie Rasmussen pair over the closing stages.