The two-time New Zealand Cup winner paced a 1.48.3 mile (1609m) for driver Yannick Gingras at the Meadowlands racetrack in New Jersey yesterday morning, New Zealand time.
Before the trial, trainer Jimmy Takter had stated the horse would not be fully extended in the hit-out.
Lazarus trailed smart pacer Lather Up in the running after showing good gate speed in his first look at a fast, angled North American mobile arm.
Gingras asked the Kiwi-bred for an effort before the home turn and he ran to the line comfortably with Lather Up outside him.
Racing fans suggested on Twitter that Gingras may not have got the memo from Takter that Lazarus would not be fully taxed in the trial.
Takter quickly dispelled that theory by saying Gringras "did not stretch him out".
Gingras told North American media he was impressed with the feel Lazarus gave him.
"I couldn’t be any happier with him.
"He’s very easy on himself and had tons of pace."
The performance showed Lazarus is nearing his North American race debut.
Takter said a late payment could be made to enable Lazarus to race in the Dan Patch Stakes at Hosier Park, near Indianapolis, on August 10.
