Maison Louis to kick off on Anzac Day
Randwick trainer Tom Charlton is looking for a positive return from Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) winner Maison Louis (NZ) (Super Seth) at Randwick as connections consider another trip north this winter.
Twelve months ago, the son of Super Seth progressed from winning a Goulburn maiden at his second start to taking out the Group 1 Derby at his seventh before mixing form in the spring.
The best of his four runs last campaign was a Gr.2 Hill Stakes (1900m) placing second-up behind war horse Lindermann (Lonhro), prompting connections to give the gelding an extended break and bring him back at the end of the autumn.
"His form just tailed off a bit after starting really well," Charlton said of Maison Louis' spring preparation.
"We gave him a bit of time, so he will resume on Saturday, and he can work towards races over a bit further in Sydney and maybe Queensland.
"He has a bit of weight so we're just looking for a positive first-up run and he may go to a Gosford Cup or something like that second-up."
Maison Louis has 60.5kg in Saturday's First Australian Imperial Force Handicap (1500m) and will have to overcome an awkward gate in 12.
Charlton will also have former Kiwi stayer King Pedro (NZ) (Eminent) resuming in the Battle of the Dardanelles Handicap (1600m).
“He will probably find the mile a little bit sharp and he will be getting to a mile and a half this preparation and possibly a little bit further, but he has a good campaign ahead,” Charlton said.
