Larsen has steered the 2yr-old McArdle filly in all three race-day starts, including her win at Winton on February 27. That was reduced to a second placing after an inquiry when it was deemed she impeded the run of Bella Starr, spoiling her previously unbeaten record.
''She just ducked in at the wrong time, and it was one of those unfortunate things really,'' Larsen, of Branxholme near Invercargill, said.
''They had to probably put her out - that's the way it rolls sometimes.''
Larsen did contemplate a trip north last week, but opted to keep the daughter of Christian Cullen mare Belle Abbeye at home for some more local riches.
''We are aiming at the Caduceus fillies race [at group 3 level on March 23],'' he said.
''We probably should have gone to Cheviot really [for the 2yr-old fillies group 3 race on March 3] but I thought rather than risk taking her away and all that drama, we'll just stick close to home and have one good go at that.
''Bella Starr is on the second line this week, but Bootie Bromac has drawn awkwardly at barrier 6. Despite her tendency to get to the front early on in her past two runs, Larsen is keen to adopt the tactics that secured a win on debut.
''From out there, I'd rather get her in behind,'' he said.
''When she won her first one, she felt really good from behind, but whether I can get her back from there, we'll see what happens.''
Larsen has a small team in at Gore, but two of his other three are genuine winning chances.
First starter Uncle Ben was close to getting a ride in the float up to Forbury Park on Thursday, but Larsen decided on an educational trip to Gore instead.
''I was nearly going to take him up for the sires' stakes [heat at Forbury Park] but I just felt he needs a wee bit of experience, so I thought I'll put him in against the older horses,'' Larsen said.
''I don't mind him, but he's probably got a bit to learn.''
John Paul Jones will have the chance to chase rather than be chased when he tackles his rivals in the 1-2 win 2200m mobile. The Christian Cullen colt prepared for tomorrow's assignment with a three-length workout win at Ascot Park last Saturday, pacing the 2200m in 2.45.3.
The draw of 2 on the second line means John Paul Jones will likely follow out last-start winner Kentucky Girl.
''[Barrier] two is not too bad on the second row. He's only had the one work-out, but whatever he does, he'll definitely improve.
Larsen expects improvement from Franco Synergy after tomorrow's maiden 2200m, but the draw on the outside of the mobile arm does not help.
''He will probably need the run because he's he's fresh-up but he's well and everything's good with him.''
Additional information for meetings today.-
Auckland RC
Scratchings
Race 6: Manu
Race 8: Mons Calpe
Race 10: Spinmyworld
Weather, fine; track, good (3); rail, out 4.5m
Otago RC
Weather, fine; track, good (3); rail, true.
