3 minute read

The RAM Racing Syndicate and Lavra Joe will team up again for the second running of the TABtouch Nullarbor (2536m) at Gloucester Park in April.

In an encouraging sign for his Nullarbor prospects, Lavra Joe trialled stylishly at Bunbury last Saturday and it was enough for RAM Racing Syndicate and trainer Ray Jones to agree to terms.

The six-year-old was sent back to trials after he was well beaten by Minstrel last month and Jones felt the early speed battle may have brought about his undoing on that occasion.

The gelding has since produced two encouraging Bunbury trials.

Lavra Joe was unplaced in last year's behind Betterzippit Nullarbor after having to make a move three-wide at the bell.

RAM spokesperson Cameron Beyers said Jones' post-trial report was enough to seal the deal.

"We know he's had a couple of unexplainable issues that had kept him away from the races," Beyers told The Trots WA.

"Ray wasn't too keen to commit to the slot until he knew the horse was sound.

"He called the next morning after the trial and said he was happy with the recovery and he would be right to go.

"Although things didn't go right on the night last year, we know this horse ticks a lot of boxes."

Lavra Joe ran on each of the four weekends in the lead up to last year's Nullarbor, which also included a win in the Bunbury Cup.

Jones said he was happy with how the gelding was progressing and would look to change things up in the lead up to this year's $1.25 million event.

"I said at the start of the preparation I felt he was going better than he ever has," Jones told The Trots WA.

"I think I've got him back to that now.

"We will space his runs on the way to the Nullarbor now that he's locked in."

Lavra Joe is the third runner to be confirmed for the harness event of the Western Trilogy, joining Magnificent Storm and Spirit Of St Louis.