Loucasso Bypasses Victoria Derby to Focus on TAB Eureka

AUSTRALIA’S boom three-year-old Loucasso will bypass the Victoria Derby to focus on the world’s richest pacing race, the $1.5 million TAB Eureka.

It is a major shake-up to the Derby, which starts with heats at Melton next Saturday night, as Loucasso was $2 favorite to win the final.

Part-owner Aaron Bain said connections felt that trying to fit in a heat and final of the Derby around the NSW Breeders Challenge was asking too much in the build-up to the TAB Eureka at Menangle on November 21.

“I know it had been the plan, but now it’s close, we think it’s too big an ask,” he said.

“He’ll race this Saturday night, but it’ll be at Menangle and he can stay in NSW for the Breeders Challenge semis and final and then onto the TAB Eureka.”

Loucasso has looked terrific winning all three starts back from a long injury-enforced break, clocking sub-1min50sec each time over the mile at Menangle.

He is $2.20 favourite for the TAB Eureka.

Bain also confirmed Loucasso’s trainer-driver Seaton Grima would drive one of his Aaron Bain Racing slot runners in the inaugural $100,000 The Radiant at Globe Derby next Saturday night.

It means Loucasso will have a new driver at Menangle as a one-off.

“It’s great to have Seaton coming across for the Radiant. He’s our second driver announcement for the race,” Bain said.

“Unfortunately, our first was Jett Turnbull, but he got suspended for 21 days and can’t come.

“We’re excited to have snapped-up Alex Ashwood to take Jett’s spot and drive one of our slot runners on the big night.”

Bain has three slots in The Radiant and confirmed Grima would drive Reach The Peak, Ashwood will be on Narobi and Wayne Hill has the drive on Mikis Beauty.

PHOTO: Club Menangle