Louie The Horse, who raced 13 times, all in mobiles, in New Zealand for three wins and four placings, has shown a liking for standing-start racing for leading trainers Greg and Skye Bond, with his 13 WA starts including nine in stands for four of his five wins in this State.
However, from the No. 2 barrier on the front line in the 2503m Channel 7 Handicap at Gloucester Park on Friday night he was slightly slow into stride, losing almost two lengths and the opportunity to set the pace.
Dylan Egerton-Green did not panic, and he settled Louie The Horse, the $2.30 favourite, into fourth place, one-out and one-back, while the $3.80 third fancy Medieval Man was leading after a brilliant beginning from the 10-metre line.
The polemarker The Stars Above ($3.30) galloped at the start and settled in fourth place on the pegs before Cody Wallrodt eased him off the inside after 650m to move to the breeze where he began to overrace.
Medieval Man set a brisk pace, but was unable to hold out Louie The Horse, who was switched three wide at the 250m mark and surged home to hit the front with 70m to travel. Medieval Man was second, with Manofthepeople (who trailed the pacemaker) finishing third.
by Ken Casellas