Cheerstolou roars home in a dazzling 25.8 seconds final quarter

Queensland’s latest pacing star Cheerstolou (Sweet Lou) greeted his introduction in open company with a tearaway all the harness racing win In the Nutrine Equine Free For All at Albion Park on Saturday evening.

Driver Nathan Dawson allowed the gelding to storm to the early lead from barrier four heading off the only other runner with some support Alby Two Chains. After a slick 27 seconds for the first quarter, Dawson gave Cheerstolou a breather in running a comfortable 30.4 seconds for the second quarter.

From the rear of the field District Attorney made a run three wide before having to race outside the leader. Cheerstolou started to put a space between himself and his rivals with a 27.1 seconds third quarter, but in the final quarter he was totally in control running a blistering 25.8 seconds to defeat Alby Two Chains by just under 12 metres with District Attorney a further 15 metres away in third.

All in all his mile rate was an impressive 1.50.2.

CHEERSTOLOU 17 JAN REPLAY

Cheerstolou who is out of the Bettors Delight mare Murganella has been a revelation since moving up to Donny Smith’s stables at Redcliffe.

He made his Queensland debut in November and his record in the Sunshine State is eight starts for seven wins and a close second.

Early in his career, Cheerstolou was prepared by Peter Manning and won the South Australian St Leger which has also been won in the past by the grand veteran Bulletproof Boy.

After a short stint in South Australia he was then trained by Greg Norman and David Harris, but never showed any of the current dazzling form that we’ve been seeing recently at Albion Park.

Cheerstolou is a welcome addition to the top class of pacers at Albion Park and running the times he has indicated that he will hold his ground amongst the best that are on offer.

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink