By Mike Love, Harness News Desk
Nick Le Lievre heads to Addington today with high hopes around his two chances.
In race 2 Milou ($2.40FF) has her debut after showing glimpses of talent at recent trials which included a strong second to Friday night’s promising subsequent maiden winner Point Break.
“She’s come through the trial really nicely. She’s been thoroughly professional.
“She’s a big filly, so we’ve taken our time with her. I’m hoping she will develop into an Oaks filly later in the season. I’m expecting her to be pretty forward today.”
Milou’s race day name is derived from part-owner and breeder Justin Le Lievre’s children Mimi and Louie.
Kyle Cameron, who has driven Milou in three of her six trials, will take the drive on her today.
In a quick turn around for Le Lievre, he lines up the second of his chances Americano ($3.60FF) in race 3. The four-year-old American Ideal gelding has been racing well this preparation, and is building towards his maiden victory.
“He’s a handy wee maiden and he tries very hard.
“He found the line really nice last week. He’s a bit of a nervy customer and can take a bit out of himself on race day. When he learns to settle he’ll be alright.
“As long as he settles somewhere near midfield he’ll run a really good race.”
Americano races in Le Lievre’s late brother Andre’s colours.
“We lost Andre about four years ago. He never won a race with anything in them. It will be very special when we get one first past the post in those colours.”
Sarah O’Reilly takes the drive on Americano.
Milou and Americano are both out of mare Le Vado (by Gotta Go Cullen) which was bred and raced by the Le Lievres, winning twice and placing three times from a brief 14 race day start career.
“She was a very fast filly. Americano was her first foal. Milou her second. So it’s looking like a fairly handy start to her broodmare career.”
Le Lievre to date has trained 20 winners with over $200,000 in stakes.
