The victory of Master Lavros turned back the clock.
The giant gelding led throughout to claim his second Gr.1 $255,000 Hellers Dominion at Addington in Christchurch defeating Alley Way and Sheemon in the 3200m stand start feature.
Master Lavros scored in this event two years ago.
The winning drive from Mark Jones, a former world driving champion, was inch perfect as he dictated terms nicely in front while race favourite Stent sat midfield in the moving line after a tardy beginning.
Jones was able to quicken and slacken the speed which made it awfully hard for his rivals to find their groove.
It was a perfect reminder that Jones is a truly gifted reinsman, one of the very best in Australasia.
And while Jones is listed officially as the trainer, the man that pours his heart and soul into the gifted trotter is Regan Todd.
Operating two stables, Jones is based at Burnham while Todd operates the Woodend Beach stables, of which Master Lavros is based and trained.
Since winning this event back in 2013, connections have been left frustrated and perplexed as the gelding struggled to regain that dominating form that catapulted him to early stardom.
The expectation and pressure created cracks and last season proved disappointing with only two victories from 11 starts, many breaks were made in running.
But the seven-year-old has returned in solid form this season and the reason is simple, he’s sound and trotting perfectly.
Master Lavros rated 4:05.9 which equates to a milerate of 2:03.6 while he covered his final 800m in a slick 57.6 seconds.
The time was slightly slower than what he recorded two years ago.
Master Lavros is now a dual Dominion champion while he has also collected the North Island’s major trotting event, the Rowe Cup.
His earnings have now surpassed $500,000.
The Sundon – Lavra Noblesse gelding is raced by his breeder, Kypros Kotzikas.
Race favourite Stent finished fifth and had his chance after his early miscue, the Dominion proving to be his ‘bogey’ race.
The next leg of the Australian Pacing Gold Trotting Masters will be staged on February 6, the Gr.1 $100,000 Seelite Windows & Doors Australian Trotting Grand Prix at TABCORP Park, Melton.
