Master Lavros qualified for the 2yr-old trotter division of the Harness Jewels with an impressive win against older horses at Oamaru yesterday.
He is believed to be the first trotter of his age to win on the all-weather track at Oamaru.
It was the final day of racing to qualify for the HJ at Ashburton on June 4.
Master Lavros, having his second start, was taken to the front at the 1700m by Mark Jones and he won by a length and a-quarter.
He is a big gelding by Sundon from Lavra Noblesse, trained by Jones for Kypros and Mary Kotzikas. He is the third foal of his dam, who has left Kosmopolitan Lavra (four wins).
The 2yr-old filly Another Love, who finished second to Master Lavros, also qualified for the HJ. She left stride at the 1900m when in the lead and settled three back on the inner.
Secret Potion qualified for the 4yr-old mare division when she led for most of the way yesterday. She was driven by Blair Orange, who will switch to Lancome in the HJ.
Commander Jewel, the NZ Trotting Oaks winner, was untroubled to win yesterday.
Mike Chappell, of Christchurch, figured in the ownership of the winners Masta Toddy and Uweehumma.
Both horses are trained by David Thompson at Kaiapoi. The pair were driven by his son, Shaun.
Chappell races Masta Toddy with Steve Gallop and Brian Collins. They bred Masta Toddy from Lady Toddy, who won them 13 races when trained by Ken Barron. Her first foal, Mighty Toddy, has won four races in Australia.
Chappell shares the ownership of the 3yr-old filly Uweehumma with trainer Thompson, Jeff Kennedy and Ny McLean.
The 2yr-old filly Black Ice won against the older horses yesterday. She was a $40,000 purchase at the 2010 premier yearling sale by John and Gay Tate, of Broadfield, who have her in the stable of Mark Purdon and Grant Payne. They also have Highview Ebony (three wins) in the stable and earlier raced Delight Me (four wins).
- tayler.strong@alliedpress.co.nz
