SWEET LOU SON SHINES IN GROUP 1 PROTOSTAR

Saturday 12 July will certainly be one well remembered, especially for connections of Loucasso who won the inaugural running of the Group 1 Protostar at Albion Park. There was plenty of drama early in the race, but Mark Pitt had eyes for the lead, crossed comfortably and showed us why Loucasso is the classiest 2 year old in Australia at the moment.

That takes his career record to 7 starts – 5 wins and 1 second for $345,204 and a 1.51 mile rate by his name. This should come as no surprise, Sweet Lou is consistently leaving supersonic juveniles in both hemispheres and should be a huge reason in why breeders seriously need to consider him as his record backs up his already great credentials. Loucasso is out of an Art Major mare and was bred by Matthew Day, and sold for $40,000 at the APG Sydney Yearling Sales, what a bargain he seems now!

WOODLANDS SIRED LARRY AND KENNY LEADING CHANCES IN INTER-DOM FINALS

Not to outshine Loucasso’s impressive victory in the Group 1 Protostar on Saturday night but Larry (Leap To Fame) and Kenny (Bet N Win) were yet again impressive backing up there first heat victories with second heat victories as well.

Bettor's Delight's champion son, Leap To Fame signaled clearly that he wanted none of being on the fence and accordingly got off and was given a sweet steer by trainer/driver Grant Dixon ending up in the 1x2 following Pinseeker and Don Hugo. Pacing the 2680m contest in a 1.53 mile rate was a breeze by this superstar and they couldn’t be more impressive leading into the final over the longer distance.

Prior to Larry, Bet N Win, What The Hill’s superstar son was given a great steer by his regular pilot Bob Butt to remain undefeated in his Inter Dominion chase to date and keeping his Albion Park record blemish free in a 1.57 mile rate over the longer trip. Trainers David and Stacey White have to be pleased going into Saturday’s big dance and the step up in distance doesn’t appear to be a bother, we wish all connections best of luck in the finals chasing Inter Dominion glory on Saturday at Albion Park.

EYE KEEP WINNING -

EYE KEEP SMILING WINS AGAIN

All eyes were on another square off of the two Sweet Lou mares Eye Keep Smiling and Steno for the running of Leading Edge Security Fleur De Lil Ladyship Stakes Listed race on Saturday night. Breeder Jackie Gibson of Success Stud would be all smiles as well, adding this Listed victory to her trio of Group 1 successes to date, also making it 9 wins in succession taking her record to 37 starts – 26 wins and 5 minor placings for $692,483 and a mile rate of 1.49.3 which is quite simply incredible.

Steno for trainer/driver Jocelyn Young put in another gallant effort running second for the sixth time in 7 starts, this mighty mare has now had 56 starts for 23 wins and a further 20 minor placings with $604,553 in the bank. It’s not often you see two incredibly good mares go at it head to head both winning Group 1 races and amassing as much prize money as these but it is a site we are getting used to Down Under and something to consider in the breeding shed moving forward.

WHAT THE DRAGON - PATIENCE UNLOCKING SUCCESS FOR CAMERON

On the back of the news that What The Hill would not be returning to New Zealand, What The Dragon for trainer/driver Kyle Cameron must be giving breeders angst if they hadn’t bred to the stallion in his 7 years down under. By the sounds of it, this horse certainly has some tricks up his sleeve but through all of that experience Kyle and the team have pressed on and unlocked a serious animal here.

In 2025 he has had 10 starts for 3 wins 3 seconds and 2 thirds banking $36,826. He is out of a Monarchy mare, Dragons Sister and bred by long time Woodlands Stud supporters, Robert Anderson and Mike Stevens. Tricks aside, this horse looks to have awoken the dragon and looks to be one going places in a hurry.

Contact our friendly team today if you have any queries regarding our sires ahead of the 2025-26 season.

Cameron Grant (NZ): +64 22 096 1897 or cameron@woodlandsstud.co.nz

Mark Hughes (AU): +61 451 650 707 or mark@woodlandsstud.co.nz

Office: +64 9 292 8250 or office@woodlandsstud.co.nz

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