Racing: Dwyer finds solace

Don Dwyer had planned for at least two months to have exciting galloper Lazaros in winning form on August 6.

But the problem for the Pukekohe-based trainer was that the victory was not at the original venue he had in mind.

Dwyer, regretfully, decided to bypass plans to take Lazaros south to Christchurch to contest the $80,000 Winter Cup at Riccarton - won impressively yesterday by Don't Ya Lovett.

About 54 minutes before that victory, Lazaros made short work of five rivals to easily take out the $20,000 Schofield Holden Cup at Ellerslie yesterday.

The 6-year-old Slavic-sired gelding scored by a half length over Mohini Surprise with a further length back to I Rock My World.

"It got to decision time and we weren't sure if Lazaros would make the final field for the Winter Cup and I wasn't going to take him to Christchurch for any other race except the Winter Cup," said Dwyer.

There is no doubting the athletic ability and class of Lazaros, who has fashioned the imposing course record at Ellerslie of four wins and one minor placing from six starts.

The victory completed an impressive winning double for jockey Rogan Norvall.

Earlier on the programme, Norvall combined with the in-form veteran Ben Sparta to win comfortably the $15,000 sprint.

Norvall settled the topweight, who lumped 59 kilograms, handy to the leaders on the inner, angling out before the home turn to challenge.

Ben Sparta strode clear of the opposition to win by three-quarters of a length over Caballos with a further nose back to My Lips Ar Sealed (third).

The 9-year-old has a stunning record on difficult winter tracks - seven wins and seven minor placings - from 14 starts in heavy conditions.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY