Leithen Louie big chance at Invercargill today

By Jonny Turner 

A stern debut test has primed Leithen Louie to show his potential at Ascot Park today. 

The three-year-old heads to Invercargill for start two after a strong first up fourth at Oamaru for trainer Tony Stratford.

Leithen Louie ($1.80FF) was well supported in his debut and is set to start at even shorter odds for start two in the Cruickshank Pryde Supporting NZHAT Mobile Pace (2.21pm).
 
The good news for his supporters who are keen to stick with the progressive pacer on Thursday is that he's only gotten better. 

“His run at Oamaru was good and he seems a bit better for it,” Stratford said. 

“He is going to start pretty short and as we know there are no certainties, but I would like to think he would be hard to beat.”

Unbeaten in his trials before his debut, Leithen Louie clearly has plenty of upside.

And Stratford’s opinion of the horse reflects that.

“He has the breeding there, he’s out of Delight who was a handy mare.”

“She’s a sister to Sheriff who won a derby.”

“He is just a lovely wee horse and he has got a bit of a future.”

Stratford also lines up last-start winner Sky Patrol at Ascot Park on Thursday (4.39pm).

The pacer dominated a lower grade field in his last start at Winton when sitting parked throughout to win.

“I see they have let him go in the betting a wee bit, I am not sure whether they think it is because he is up in grade.”

“He sat parked and won in 1.55 last start and he seems to be improving all the time.”

“He has worked terrific this week, probably the draw (7) is the only niggly thing.”

Stratford also has Lydah Valley back in action at Ascot Park (1.11pm).

The pacer hasn’t trialled or raced since last starting in January.

“We think she is forward enough to go a nice race, we have had a bit of success getting them ready at home.”

“Training on the track at Gore, you can do that.”

“She’s drawn 8 while the favourite is in 1, so that doesn’t help.”

“But I think she can go a good race and I don’t think she’s far away from winning in the near future.”

Blair Orange takes the reins behind all three Stratford runners on Thursday.