TAB Eureka big guns to clash in Menangle trial

THE world’s richest pacing race is still over six weeks away, but two of the key contenders will clash at Menangle tomorrow.

It’s a trial not a race, but it will be fascinating how superstar three-year-old Loucasso and exciting four-year-old Double Lou perform as they build towards the $1.5 million TAB Eureka at Menangle on November 21.

They are the only confirmed Eureka slot runners so far. Loucasso will race in the Rampant Standardbreds slot, while Double Lou will run in prominent owner Tony Licastro’s slot.

Loucasso has been terrific winning all three starts this campaign in slick time for new trainer-driver Seaton Grima.

He bypassed the Victoria Derby series to focus on the NSW Breeders Challenge series as his lead-up to the TAB Eureka.

“He’s really well. We just felt it was asking a lot to go through a heat and final in Victoria, along with the rest of the Breeders Challenge series, before the Eureka,” Grima said.

“This trial is just to sharpen him up for the rest of the Breeders Challenge.”

Tomorrow’s trial is more a launching pad for Double Lou, who hasn’t raced since a Queensland winter campaign.

“We trialled him a few weeks back, but that was more to put his name out there for the TAB Eureka,” trainer-driver Bailey McDonough said.

“We’re really happy with him and he’ll be ready to go to the races after this trial.

“He’s got the four-year-old Breeders Challenge then it’s on to the Eureka.”

Classy Queensland filly Stripes, who won a heat of the NSW Breeders Challenge 3YO fillies’ series last start, adds further depth to tomorrow’s 1609m trial.

The nine-horse trial is scheduled for 9.40am.

PHOTO: Club Menangle

Leeton owner-breeder John Rees celebrates his family's first group one win as Bailey McDonough drives Double Lou to victory on Saturday. Pictures by Club Menangle