Loucasso proves too good again in $150,000 Breeders Challenge Final

Wonder colt Loucasso (Sweet Lou) justified his favouritism for the $1.5 million Eureka in three weeks time by scoring a decisive harness racing  win in the Group 1 Nutrien Equine NSW Breeders Challenge Final for three year old colts and geldings at Menangle on Saturday evening.

There was plenty of conjecture before the event as to what the tactics Seaton Grima would employ given his wide draw and the expectation that his main danger Yottie would lead.

As it turned out Grima eased Loucasso back early while Berocca Bernie blasted to the lead before surrendering to Yottie who was then taken on by Nocturnal. However Grima seized the moment while Yottie was in front and as the field approached half way he sent Loucasso around the field. Bernie Hewitt on Yottie decided to take the trail as Loucasso strode to the lead.

LOUCASSO 31 OCT REPLAY

Alert Bay who had been runner up to Loucasso on a number of occasions enjoyed a one out and one back trail. But Grima sensed victory as he let Loucasso rip with a 27.5 seconds third quarter. Alert Bay emerged from the pack to momentarily appear to be a danger but Loucasso kept going with a final quarter of 27.3 seconds was just too good prevailing by just under five metres.

In yet another blistering overall time, Loucasso ran 1.48.7 for the mile.

Yottie held on for third just in front of the lightly raced Cohen The Red now in Luke McCarthy’s stable and a definite improver for the future.

It was trainer driver Seaton Grima’s first Group 1 success which probably explains his triumphant flourish of the whip towards the finishing line.

Loucasso now has the imposing record of 12 wins and one placing from 14 starts for $535,588 in stake money and his performances this time in have been impeccable having won his last nine starts. Irrespective of the barrier draw he’s likely to start favourite for the Eureka.

It proved to be a memorable evening for Seaton Grima as later in the evening he was also successful on Van Basten (Sunshine Beach) who finished over the top to take out the Harness Racing New South Wales Rising Stars.

 

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink