But a perfect barrier draw last week simply confirmed he is the one to beat in today's $750,000 classic staying test.
Lazarus drew five when the fields were released, and will start from barrier 4 at 5.17pm today after the scratching of Seel The Deal over the weekend.
``It's a good draw, five - you couldn't wish for any better draw,'' Purdon said.
``That gives him a great chance with the way the draws have panned out.''
Drawing such a nice marble with the country's best open-class performer this season would be enough for most trainers to focus on. But Purdon and co-trainer Natalie Rasmussen had three other runners to look out for when the draws came out.
Third favourite Smolda starts from barrier 2, Titan Banner will now start from the tricky spot on the inside of the second line and second favourite Have Faith In Me's barrier fate was sealed as he starts from the unruly mark.
``It's the race and to have four runners in it is a great feeling,'' Purdon said
``Once the draw came out, you had to go his [Lazarus'] way. Maybe if Have Faith In Me had better standing start manners and had drawn an alley there wouldn't be much separating them.''
The generally reserved Purdon made this season's intentions clear with Lazarus late last season when he opted to bypass the Harness Jewels to focus on the New Zealand Cup.
That strategy has paid off, with the son of Bettor's Delight finishing a strong third to Franco Nelson fresh-up, before dominating the Canterbury Classic and Ashburton Flying Stakes in front.
``You've got the hopes that he will measure up, but he's delivered and he's really delivered in style.''
Have Faith In Me's Cup trial win last week gave the All Stars team more confidence in his manners, as he looks to back up his brilliant 4yr-old season with the ultimate prize in New Zealand harness racing.
``We know the ability he's got, but he's been giving away a little bit of ground at the start and with the times they has been running, he just hasn't been able to afford to to do it,'' Purdon said.
``He's still been going good races. But in the cup trial, he made a great beginning and led and we just saw how good he is. He's proved he's a real stayer and can make his own luck.''
In any other stable, Smolda would be the star but with the focus on his two stablemates, the son of Courage Under Fire has been quietly going about his work this season, culminating in a second to Franco Nelson at Kaikoura.
``He's a great old horse - he's an 8yr-old but he's still young at heart,'' Purdon said.
``His form line is good this year, the two miles [3200m] will suit him and he's not without a chance. He's one of the few runners who can make his own luck a bit and do a bit of work.''
Titan Banner's starting spot from the inside of the second line is not ideal, but a win over Christen Me in the 3200m Winter Cup still stuck in Purdon's mind as he assessed the former Graeme Anderson-trained pacer's chances.
``He beat Christen Me one day over two miles at Addington, so he can get the distance, but he just needs a bit of luck on his side,'' he said.
``He's generally OK from a stand and following them is probably going to be better for him.''
Four New Zealand Cup
starters is not a record for Purdon. He had five runners
- Highview Tommy, Sushi Sushi, Major Mark, Fly Like An Eagle and Auckland Reactor - in the 2012 edition. Highview Tommy was the best of the team, finishing second to Terror To Love.
