Loucasso’s return well worth waiting for

There’s been fewer comebacks that have been more anticipated than Loucasso’s (Sweet Lou) return and he didn’t let his supporters down with a stylish harness racing win in the Three year old at Menangle on Saturday night.

Transferred to Seaton Grima’s stable a few months back, Loucasso has been the source of great interest given that he had swept all before him as a two year old.

But we had a few hints that Loucasso was looking ominous with a workout at Menangle in between races and a trial at Newcastle on 19 August when he went 1.52.5.

Prior to the event Grima was confident that Loucasso would win where he faced six rivals.

LOUCASSO 5 SEP REPLAY

Alert Bay was the only runner supported to beat Loucasso and he found the front but driver James Rattray wisely gave away the lead to Loucasso when he worked around the field. Loucasso looked every inch a star as he maintained his lead.

One More Reason was running third and the rest behind were struggling. There was some anticipation as Alert Bay come off the fence to issue a challenge. However Grima didn’t have to shake up Loucasso as he strode clear and he won untouched from Alert Bay with One More Reason in third place.

What was particularly impressive was Loucasso’s last quarter in 25.9 seconds for an overall rate of 1.49.5. And he can only improve on that effort.

At this stage Loucasso is nominal favourite for the $1.5 million Eureka to be run at Menangle on 21 September and he’s likely to firm up even more for the big event. Over the next two weeks Loucasso will run in both Heat and hopefully the Final of the Carousel at Menangle while also looking to take on the New South Wales Breeders Challenge in October.

It’s also possible that Grima may consider a trip to Melton for the Group 1 Victoria Pacers Derby on 17 October. But for the time being he would be very pleased with his comeback.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink