Stratford home track double

Local trainer Tony Stratford scored a hometown double at the Gore Raceway today.

Quality three year old Leithan Louie (Sweet Lou) was chased out of the gate by driver Nathan Williamson and in blustery conditions, led all the way to win by two and a quarter lengths from Shezabettorgirl.

LEITHAN LOUIE REPLAY

“He’s only a wee fella and Nathan said he got blown around a few times. He’s a lovely horse and proved it today. He was up a grade, came off the gate nice, was in control all the way against some old, hardened horses. Those old horses in Southland are tough old buggers. No, he’s got a bit of class about him. 1700 metres round Gore is the place to be, but I think he’s more potent off a helmet,” Stratford said.

There are no set plans for Leithan Louie.

“We might even back off him and give him ten days.”

The second win came when Sky Patrol (Sky Major) in the hands of Brad Williamson, also led, to beat Hazer.

SKY PATROL REPLAY

“He was blessed by a good draw. That’s the first decent draw he’s had for a while. With a bit of luck we thought we could cross the one horse (Hazer) and that would make it difficult for everyone else. And that’s the way it panned out,” Stratford said.

The win was Sky Patrol’s third in sixteen starts.

“He’s getting a hell of a lot better, so he’s not finished yet.

Both Sky Patrol and Hazer are owned by members of the Gerken family.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink