The Lazarus Effect’s vying for four from four at Addington tonight

[Wandering Eyes]

By Jonny Turner

Rival camps have plenty to worry about ahead of The Lazarus Effect putting his unbeaten record on the line at Addington on Friday night.

On exposed form, the pacer looks incredibly hard to beat in his attempt to make it four-from-four for trainer-driver Bob Butt in Race 1, the TAB 2nd and 3rd Bonus Cash Back Mobile Pace (5.05pm). He’s a $1.35 favourite. 

The Lazarus Effect was explosive in his return to racing at Winton late last month, charging to an easy victory in slick time against race-hardened opposition.

The worrying part for his opposition in Friday night’s opener is that the four-year-old will return to the track fitter and stronger. 

“He only had the one trial before he went down south,” Butt said.

“He seems to have really come on with the run and the trip down there.”

On Friday night, The Lazarus Effect faces the toughest test of his career so far in terms of ratings — but it looks well within his range.

“It is a nice enough wee field. There are a couple of handy ones in there,” Butt said.

“But he is a pretty progressive horse himself, and he has drawn inside the better ones.”

Butt starts a strong team at Addington, including the talented first-starter One Eye Bandit.

The pacer is appropriately named, given he only has one eye — and, strangely enough, it’s also a factor punters may need to consider.

“I’ve put him on the unruly because he can get a bit nervy behind the gate,” Butt said.

“Because he’s only got the one eye, he gets a bit wound up and wants to look around at what’s going on.”

“Once he gets going he is pretty good.”

“Being his first start under lights — it’s all going to be new to him.”

“Hopefully he can do things right, because he has got the ability.”

After winning a similar mares’ race on her last visit to the track, Dynasty looks a good chance of doubling up on Friday night. 

“I freshened her up after her last win and she has been working really well. She should be a pretty good chance.”

Butt also starts his consistent maidener Crystal on Friday night, as well as stable newcomer Stephs Boy.

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