Louie leaps into the Westbred calculations

Tomorrow (Sep. 8) marks one month since Louie Dior made his harness racing debut.

On Friday night he will be lining up in a $100,000 race.

He’s also become the first horse to beat champion two-year-old Never Ending in that time.

The Annie Belton-trained three-year-old has stormed into contention for the Group 2 Allwood Stud 3YO Colts and Geldings Westbred Classic (2130m) at Gloucester Park.

Louie Dior scored stylishly in his first three career starts at Pinjarra through the month of August.

He faced his toughest test to date at Gloucester Park last Friday against the likes of Never Ending, Sorridere and Im The Black Flash.

When Never Ending galloped soon after the start, Louie Dior was able to lead all the way and score by 6.3m in 1:57.9.

It was a performance good enough to secure him a start in the Westbred.

Ryan Bell, who has driven the gelding at three of his four starts and trained the pacer prior to Belton taking over, said patience has been the key to getting to this stage.

“I had him as a two-year-old and at the start of the prep,” Bell told The Trots WA.

“We were told he wasn’t overly comfortable as a two-year-old and had a few problems with a hock ligament.

“It was about June last year we put him out for six months.

“He’s come back in to work, and it looks like time has been his best friend.”

In many respects, Belton and Bell are the perfect combination to help Louie Dior to win the Westbred.

Bell has trained for Belton, who bred and owns Louie Dior, and the pair often trackwork their pacers together.

Bell said a win this Friday would be a testament to their teamwork.

“Annie and Colin get very nervous because they like to have their T’s crossed and I’s dotted,” he said.

“We’ve become a good team because they probably appreciate me being over the top honest.

“I gave Louie Dior back to Annie because he’s a simple and beautiful natured horse and said to her there’s no point me doing something she could do herself.

“It’s been a team effort to get him to this stage.

“Everything has fallen into place so far, but it’s a whole new ball game on Friday night.”

The fallout from Never Ending breaking last Friday night has had a flow on effect to this Friday’s event, with the Justin Prentice-trained placed out of the draw and having to start from barrier nine.

The Aiden De Campo-trained Magnus Victor, Dourado and Runningonempty drew barrier one, two and three respectively.

Rocket City and Louie Dior both loom as key players in the event from barrier 11 and 12 respectively.

Bell said the back line draw could play into his hands.

“I don’t mind the draw because I can mind my own business,” he said.

“I can follow Rocket City everywhere he goes and can be a real top five chance.

“He’s going to be hard pressed to win it, especially if Never Ending works forward.

“Never Ending will have to earn his keep though and no is a bigger fan of the horse than I am.”

Belton won the Westbred in 2014 with Mister Jadore, while Bell will be looking for his first success in the race.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Tim Walker for RWWA