Cup performance to determine Maison Louis’ winter path

Queensland Derby winner Maison Louis (NZ) (Super Seth) turned in his best performance of the spring at his second run from a spell, and trainer Tom Charlton is looking for a similar effort when the four-year-old heads to Gosford.

Maison Louis tackles Saturday's Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2100m) off the back of an eye-catching return when he closed late for sixth to Hellsing (Dandy Man) at Randwick over an unsuitable 1500m.

It was exactly what Charlton wanted to see from the gelding first-up following a spring campaign in which he was in and out of form.

"He couldn't have done any more. He looks to have come back well," Charlton said of the first-up run.

"He ran third in the Hill Stakes (Gr.2,1900m) second-up last prep, which is a strong weight-for-age race, so if he can replicate that he will run well.

"He let himself down a bit pre-race last preparation, so we're just trying to build a bit of confidence for him and get him back in his groove."

Following five early scratchings, Maison Louis has come into barrier 11 and while Charlton isn't convinced the tight Gosford circuit will be an ideal fit, he also doesn't expect it to be a disadvantage. 

"He is short-coupled and hasn't got a great, big action," he said.

"He's got a turn of foot for a horse over that trip, so I think he will be fine."

Charlton isn't committed to a program with Maison Louis and says where the horse heads will be dictated by performance, although options in Sydney and Brisbane will be considered, including The Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 13.

Maison Louis was an $8 chance for the Gosford Cup on Friday with the Matt Smith-trained Portland heading markets as a $5.50 favourite. – RAS Newswire