Louisville breaks through for Clipperton
He’d been a frustrating commodity for punters after finishing runner-up at his past three outings, but the Chris Waller-trained Louisville ($2.40F) has found the winning post at Rosehill Gardens in a patient steer by hoop Sam Clipperton.
After winning first-up at Canterbury this preparation, the son of Redwood had been rolled at prices of $2.60, $3.80 and $2.50 respectively with leading betting sites but the step-up to the 1800m today and inside alley helped him get across the line.
The five-year-old was too strong at the finish for Floating ($18) by a half length with Angel Of Light ($5) a further length and three quarters back in third position.
Jumping on terms with them, Clipperton managed to push up along the steel and settle mid-field in transit, eventually getting into clear air with 300m to go. The victory brings up win number three for prominent owner Gerry Harvey, with the consistent gelding having only missed a drum once in 12 career starts.
It was his first ride on Louisville, and Clipperton was grateful for the favours he received in the run.
“It was just a matter of navigating him and presenting him into the race at the right time,” Clipperton said.
“The step-up in distance helped, nice draw helped. He’s been racing very well this horse.
“He’s just been a victim of wide draws so it was nice to be able to utilise the soft draw here today.”
Trainer Chris Waller always talks about his horses being like human athletes and needing confidence, and today’s win may be the extra kick his charge needs.
“He got to the front too soon with relative ease and it was just a matter of him lacking confidence, he didn’t know how to put them away,” Clipperton said.
“He’s put another win on the board today, so that will do his confidence the world of good.
“He’s a talented horse, he’s just got a few creases that needed to be ironed out. Fortunately, I could iron them out today.”
As to if whether he could stretch out over even further distance in time, Clipperton was hopeful his mount could take that next step.
“I think so, he relaxes really well. He’s very economical with himself,” Clipperton said.
More Racing News
War Machine to target the 2026 Australia Stakes
Top-class sprinter War Machine will resume in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham on Friday night as connections eye a strong autumn campaign. The race, traditionally held at Moonee Valley, has been moved due to redevelopment works and shapes as an ideal launchpad for the Lindsay Park galloper. War Machine...
2026 Golden Slipper Stakes favourite Incognito nearing return to the races
The absence of Incognito from the Magic Millions 2YO Classic did little to dent his standing in Golden Slipper markets, with the colt edging closer to a raceday return. Michael Freedman elected to sidestep the Gold Coast feature with the $1 million purchase, instead opting for a controlled trial as the...
Antino to target 2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the Autumn
A strong trial session at Deagon on Tuesday will be highlighted by the return of Antino as Tony Gollan begins plotting another autumn campaign for the talented gelding. Antino has not raced since his disappointing effort in the Group 1 Cox Plate, where he finished last after failing to fire on...
Torque To Be Sure breaks maiden in 2026 Magic Millions Guineas, survives protest
Torque To Be Sure finally lived up to his promise with a breakthrough victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas, though his success came with a nervous wait in the stewards’ room. The Matthew Dunn-trained gelding drifted under pressure in the closing stages, bumping race favourite Ninja as the...
Golden Slipper Stakes 2026 plans for Godolphin’s Outspan
The Godolphin-trained Outspan has thrust himself into Golden Slipper calculations after a commanding win at Rosehill on Saturday. After settling just behind the speed in the 1100m contest, the Michael Freedman-trained colt finished strongly to defeat Long Throw ($15) by 1-1/2 lengths, with Miss Chanel ($4.60) another half-length back. The performance marked...
Future History too strong in the 2026 January Cup
Future History showed his class and toughness when landing the $200,000 Listed January Cup at Rosehill, giving Ciaron Maher another feature race success. The eight-year-old almost didn’t take his place in the race after heavy rain downgraded the track, but connections elected to press on despite concerns about the conditions. Ridden positively...
Unit Five powers home in the 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Unit Five announced himself as a rising star with a powerful victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, overcoming far more seasoned rivals despite limited race experience. The Ciaron Maher-trained colt, ridden confidently by Thomas Stockdale, held off Tornado Valley by a length, with By Choice finishing just behind...
Big Sky surges into 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes calculations
Big Sky’s dominant debut at Flemington has propelled him straight into calculations for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), giving Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr the top two runners in early betting. The Bivouac colt overcame a wide draw in the TAB We’re On (1000m), travelling strongly under Jordan...
Mile no issue for Merrigold in 2026 Vobis Gold Distaff
Trainer John Sadler admitted a touch of stubbornness delayed Merrigold’s step up to 1600 metres, but the mare made him look wise with a dominant Flemington victory. The five-year-old was having her first start beyond 1400 metres and handled the rise in distance with ease when taking out the Vobis Gold...
Mile test for Harry’s Yacht in 2026 Vobis Gold Reef
Will Larkin is confident the timing is right to test Harry’s Yacht over the mile when the gelding contests Saturday’s Vobis Gold Reef at Flemington. The four-year-old has enjoyed a strong preparation to date, registering two wins at benchmark level and adding two placings in Vobis races over 1200 metres. Training in...