Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
Trainer Michael Young described Lamandier as “a bit of a nightmare” after Gary Hall Jnr had driven the Victorian-bred five-year-old to an easy all-the-way victory in the 2536m Running Camel Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
“He is a good fence horse and a good leader, and when he leads, he wins,” said Young. “But if he doesn’t lead and fails to get a spot, he gives up. Tonight, he led and got it all his own way.”
Lamandier was the $2.40 favourite from barrier No. 2, and after a modest early pace he dashed over the final quarters in 29.5sec. and 28.5sec. to beat $15 chance Name In Lights by just over a length after that pacer had enjoyed a perfect trip behind the frontrunner. Simply Shaz ($8) was seventh on the pegs at the bell and she ran home determinedly to finish third.
Lamandier has earned $87,413 from ten wins and 13 placings. His 29 WA starts have resulted in four wins and nine placings.