Loucasso’s record mile leads big weekend for Eureka contenders

Loucasso (Sweet Lou – Our Little Artist) headlined a big weekend for TAB Eureka contenders. He won his Nutrien Equine NSW Breeders Challenge 3YO Colts and Geldings semi-final at Menangle on Saturday night in a 1:47.6 mile rate, a new Australasian record for a three-year-old colt or gelding.

The $1.06 favourite worked forward from barrier eight for trainer-driver Seaton Grima and ran quarters of 26.9, 26.9, 26.8 and 27.0. He beat Nocturnal ($14) by 2.1 metres, with Cowboy Culture ($31) 10.9 metres further back in third. The time took 1.4 seconds off Leap To Fame’s 1:49.0 from 2022.

Loucasso, the confirmed runner for the slot holder (Rampant Standardbreds), is the $2.40 Eureka favourite.

Yottie (Downbytheseaside – Fascinator), $12 for the Eureka, won the first semi-final by a half head from Frizza ($31). He started the $1.35 favourite for trainer-driver Bernie Hewitt and rated 1:49.6.

Ark Sea (Stay Hungry – Cherarkee) led throughout to win the second 3YO fillies semi-final as the $1.80 favourite for trainer Sam Hewitt and driver Will Rixon. She beat One More Reason ($6.50) by 4.5 metres in a 1:49.7 mile rate. That is a new Australasian record for a three-year-old filly, 0.1 second inside Anntonia’s 1:49.8 from 2021. Ark Sea is $16 for the Eureka.

“We would love to be considered for a spot in the Eureka,” Sam Hewitt said.

In the second four-year-old semi-final, Double Lou, the confirmed runner for the slot holder (The Don), ran second at his first race start since July 4. The $1.80 favourite was beaten 1.5 metres by Wicked Wizard ($7.50) in a 1:50.5 mile rate, with Sinaloa ($2.60) a head away third. They are $7 and $15 for the Eureka.

In the other four-year-old semi-final, Seasider ($4.80, $12 for the Eureka) ran second for trainer-driver Amanda Turnbull. He finished 1.5 metres behind Forever Onthe Punt ($3.10) in a 1:50.3 mile rate.

All six Menangle contenders finished in the first five and qualified for the finals at Menangle on Saturday, October 31.

The Last Trip (Poster Boy – Fususi) won the Group 3 $100,000 Kevin and Kay Seymour South Australian Pacing Cup at Globe Derby on Saturday night. The $1.18 favourite beat Forty Love ($4.80) by 15.6 metres, with Ultimate Vinnie ($21) third, in a 1:57.7 mile rate. Driven by Taylor Ford for trainer Emma Stewart, he set the track record of 1:55.5 in his heat a week earlier. He is TAB’s $4.50 Eureka second favourite but is yet to be named by a slot holder, which his managing owner expected the Cup to change.

“I’m sure I’ll have them calling me after the SA Cup,” Ben Said said.

On the same program, Luvtobeuptome (Always B Miki – Luvthisone), $26 for the Eureka, won the Listed Fed Live South Australian Pacing Derby by 28 metres from Zanda Man ($10). The $1.25 favourite rated 1:54.7 for trainer Courtney Slater and driver Josh Duggan.

At Gloucester Park on Friday night, Mad Monday (Vincent – Richly Deserved) won the $125,000 Group 2 RacingWA 4YO Classic by 4.4 metres from Runkle Crunch NZ ($3.40). He started the $1.60 favourite and rated 1:54.7. It was driver Deni Roberts’ 100th winner of the season. The four-year-old is $51 for the Eureka. Trainer Greg Bond said last week the stable would look seriously at travelling east if a slot became available.

“We think he’ll measure up anywhere,” Greg Bond said.

Eight of the 10 Eureka slots remain open.

Loucasso has now won 11 of his 13 starts for $445,588 in stakes. He was bred by Mathew Day and is raced by a large ownership group that includes ABR Bloodstock and Summit Bloodstock.

 

Disclosure: Harnesslink is a 2026 TAB Eureka slot holder.

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