Ken Casellas | Photo: PACEPIX
“2024 should be his year,” predicted proud owner-trainer Ray Jones after the powerful five-year-old had crushed his seven rivals in the $31,000 www.gloucesterpark.com.au Free-For-All at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Lavra Joe, the $1.30 favourite from out wide at barrier seven in the 2130m event, began brilliantly to charge straight to the front, and after a solid lead time of 36.6sec. he relaxed for reinsman Kyle Harper and coasted through the opening quarters in 31.5sec. and 30sec. before giving the opposition little hope by sprinting over the final 400m sections in 27.8sec. and 27.1sec. to win by just over two lengths from Arma Einstein ($5.50), rating 1.55.6.
Arma Einstein trailed Lavra Joe all the way and fought on gamely, while $34 chance Rubins Plight finished an excellent third after racing in the third position in the Indian file affair.
“I was very happy with that, it was a soft run, and Lavra Joe probably will race again next Friday night,” said Jones.
“Lavra Joe will contest Free-For-Alls and Cups before the Fremantle Cup and the Nullarbor slot race in April.”
Clashes between Lavra Joe, Magnificent Storm, Minstrel and other top-flight pacers in the coming months promise to be spectacular affairs.
Lavra Joe now has amassed $614,158 from 32 wins and 13 placings from 63 starts.