Victorian-trained colt Loucasso delivered a brilliant front-running performance to capture the $500,000 Protostar at Albion Park on Saturday night, confirming his place among the most exciting juveniles in the sport.

Trained by Emma Stewart with her partner Clayton Tonkin, Loucasso was perfectly rated by Mark Pitt to win Australasia’s richest two-year-old harness race, a 1660-metre mobile start feature restricted to just 10 runners.

Run under a slot race format, The Protostar saw each horse represent a slot. Loucasso was running for Tonkin/Stewart Racing, and made the most of the opportunity in stunning fashion.

The race took an early twist when Atua Magic hung in badly after the start, causing an early mishap that checked both race favourite Cardigan Dan and Fire And Passion.

From there, Loucasso rolled forward from barrier seven, found the front and never surrendered the lead. He dictated the tempo and zipped home in 26.4 to score in 1:51.6, defeating the talented filly Ark Sea and a remarkable Atua Magic, who recovered to place third.

“It was unexpected when he found the front as there was so much carnage early,” Tonkin said. “But he’s a great two-year-old, he has great manners and it was a thrill because we got beat in it last year just on the line, so it was good to get it this year.”

The grandstand was loud as a large group of owners cheered home the colt in full voice.

Tonkin spoke proudly of the ownership model that brings many people into the sport.

“That’s what Summit Bloodstock and Aaron Bain Racing do, they get a lot of people involved and it’s a great thing,” he said. “To be honest, when the horse found the front they started cheering and I hoped they didn’t get too excited too early.

“To have all these people involved with their families, that’s what we aim to do.”

Stablemates Dynamitedan and Cardigan Dan struck trouble in the run but came through the race in good order.

“Cardigan Dan copped a check at the start, but we’re still happy with his run and he’s pulled up a treat,” Tonkin said. “Dynamitedan was actually going really well on the home turn, he went to switch back and one of the horses came back into his face and he galloped. They’re unscathed.”

As for Loucasso, a spell now beckons.

“He deserves a well-earned break. He’s been to Bathurst and had plenty of big runs. He’s done a great job.”

 

PHOTOS: DAN COSTELLO PHOTOGRAPHY