Loucasso sparkles in Newcastle trial

LOUCASSO’S first real step towards the world’s richest pacing race was an exciting one.

The brilliant three-year-old cruised to a 40.7m trial win at Newcastle last night, clocking some impressive splits along the way.

Loucasso ran a brisk 1min52.5sec mile, capped by closing splits of 53.7 and 26.6sec.

“That was perfect. He did it comfortably and showed he’s where I thought he was,” trainer-driver Seaton Grima said.

Loucasso, who boasts seven wins and a second from his nine starts, is now ready to return to the races for the first time since winning the Group 2 Breeders Crown 2YO final by 25m at Melton last December.

Grima said the NSW Breeders Challenge was the first target ahead of the $1.5 million TAB Eureka at Menangle on November 21.

Such is the excitement around Loucasso, he is $3 pre post favourite for the Eureka.

PHOTO: Dan Costello