The Andrew and Lyn Neal-trained Louie The Horse returned to winning form at Alexandra Park on Wednesday night.
The three-year-old colt’s preparation was hampered by a virus after his first-up unplaced run in May, but he has rebounded in his subsequent two runs, with a placing and a win.
“His first start back after COVID-19, on May 31, at Cambridge he raced really below par and we were really disappointed with him,” Cambridge-based Lyn Neal said.
“But after running a blood on him we found out he had a virus, hence why he hadn’t raced for five weeks.
“He raced well last start and we were really confident of a bold showing on Wednesday.”
Neal was also pleased with stablemate Military Man’s placing in the Dunstan Speedfeed Mobile Pace (2200m) earlier on the card.
“We were disappointed with him at Cambridge the week before (when finishing seventh),” Neal said.
“He pulled hard really early and even though he got around to the death and relaxed, the damage had already been done.
“We changed a little bit of gear on him and we were really happy with the run from the eight hole on Wednesday.”
Nine-win trotter Credit Master had a tough night at the office from his 45m handicap in the Majestic Horse Floats Handicap Trot (2200m), finishing sixth.
“Everyone is asking what is wrong with him,” Neal said.
“His race time was the second best in the race, Tony’s (Herlihy) horse (Kenny’s Dream) was a tad bit better. I don’t think there is anything wrong with him at all.
“But we won’t be starting him over 2200m, it’s just too tall of an ask.”
Credit Master may line-up again at Alexandra Park ahead of a trip south to contest feature races over the spring.
“We’ll just play it by ear,” Neal said. “In a couple of weeks at Auckland there is a mobile for him, that will be ideal for him.
“We will leave Fergus (Schumacher, driver) on him, we are trying to get that elusive free win.
“He will likely head south for Cup time, hopefully it should be a good year for him.”
Meanwhile, impressive debutant winner Alterior Motif could be on a plane to Australia in the near future.
A deal is currently being brokered for the exciting son of Sportswriter, with the Neals set to retain a small share.
“Alterior Motif went to the paddock after his debut win,” Neal said. “We were mindful of him going through the grades too quickly here, so we thought we would just spell him.
“He is probably going to be doing his future racing in Australia.
“We have had some nice offers for him and something is in the pipeline at the moment.”
Looking ahead to Cambridge Raceway’s meeting on Thursday, Neal said her Cambridge barn may have just the one representative at their home meeting.
“We may line-up A Better Dancer,” she said. “He is getting towards the end of his racing career. It may be his last run and then we will just find him a nice home somewhere.” – Cambridge Raceway
