Aaron Bain ended the 2024/25 South Australian metropolitan racing season with a win by SOLAR MIST in the final event.
In a bit of trivia, ABR trainers Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor prepared the first winner of the season at Murray Bridge with HOLLYWOOD HIGH for Pipeliner Bloodstock of Wayne Mitchell, then had the final winner with SOLAR MIST rewarding a very loyal bunch of owners who have really experienced the ups and downs of racing.
ABR finished the metro season on 22 winners, up from 10 the previous season, and in sixth position.
It was a fantastic season with our first full year at Angaston Park and ABR is excited about building on those figures in 2025/26 and hopefully climbing into the top three on the premiership.
No runners for ABR at Balaklava, the final meeting of the 2024/25 season in South Australia.
On the state premiership, trainers Bain &amp; Taylor have had 40 winners to finish eighth overall, up from 11th the previous year when ABR had 26 winners.
On the harness front on Friday, ABR had a winner with first-starter RAVISHING RUBY at Hobart and now we look forward to this Saturday&rsquo;s final.
With no runners on Wednesday, ABR is looking forward to action on the weekend on both the thoroughbred and harness fronts.
ABR Weekend Star
What a way to end the 2024/25 racing season with SOLAR MIST turning in a last-to-first effort to win the final event at Morphettville to be ABR&rsquo;s weekend star.
It is said greys love the wet and so it proved for the ABR galloper winning on a heavy 10 track in a race run in pouring rain.
Aaron Bain Racing was delighted for the connections of the consistent grey to finally delivered a metropolitan win at Morphettville.
SOLAR MIST turned in a last to first performance to win the Grand Syndicates / Aaron Bain Racing Handicap (1100m).
In the initial stages, the grey, trained by Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor, was a clear last, three lengths detached from the body of the field of 15 but warmed into his task approaching the home turn.
Brought to the extreme outside by apprentice rider Matthew Chadwick, SOLAR MIST, backed from as much as $41 into $14, charged home to grab a half-length win from Purfect Line ($4.40 fav) with Cool The Jets ($21), three and a half lengths away third.
Trainer Aaron Bain said SOLAR MIST had showed early potential, had lost his way for a while, but was now back starting to live up to his early potential, and the owners who had been on a roller-coaster ride finally were rewarded with a city win.
&ldquo;He went away for a while, but we wanted him back for the winter,&rdquo; Bain said.
&ldquo;It means a lot to win in these colours for John Curnow, and his wife Sue, they have been a big supporter of our stable for a long time.
&ldquo;John and Sue were here today standing out in the driving rain &ndash; nothing was going to stop them.
&ldquo;This horse may have won at a big price, but he loves the wet and he got it today.
&ldquo;It was his biggest chance to win a city race, and he did.
&ldquo;We paid $70,000 for him at an Adelaide Yearling Sale, he was one of the first yearlings we purchased.
&ldquo;We were offered good money early on to go to Hong Kong, but we kept him and that is racing.
&ldquo;It is a great thrill and gets the money off the back as Ned (Taylor) is away for 3-1/2 weeks and set us an unders and overs market of five winners while he is away and this is the first.
&ldquo;Just so pleased though for the owners of SOLAR MIST.&rdquo;
Winning jockey Matthew Chadwick said it was fantastic to ride his first winner for Aaron Bain Racing.
&ldquo;It was great to get one for the Bain and Taylor team,&rdquo; Chadwick said.
&ldquo;I have been doing a bit of work for them lately and they have been giving me good opportunities.
&ldquo;I was actually struggling to keep up for the first 300 metres.
&ldquo;He was struggling to get into rhythm in the ground but once I was able to tack on to the rear of the field I was sweet.
&ldquo;Greys in the wet, they love it, and I was wrapt to get the win for the team and the connections.&rdquo;
<h3>Trainer Peter Bain&rsquo;s Hobart win</h3>
He has been training for several decades but ABR trainer Peter Bain achieved a career-first with his first winner in Hobart on Friday with his first runner on the Apple Isle.
Bain took unraced two-year-olds RAVISHING RUBY and B T CAPTIVATE to Hobart for heats of a Sweepstakes series culminating in a final this Saturday.
Driven by Mark Yole, RAVISHING RUBY found the front from gate four in the Fehlbergs Produce Two-Year-Old Fillies Produce (1609m) and was never headed.
Race favourite at $1.55, daughter of Always B Miki went the lead after the first 250m, and was able to dictate affairs, running quarters of 29.0s, 30.3s, 28.6s and 28.6s, going on to score by 12.5m over Stayzbetter ($26) and Daisy Pea ($3).
The mile of 1:56.5s took half a second off the previous best time for a two-year-old filly in Tasmania of 1:57.0, which was set by ABR&rsquo;s BEACH DIAMOND last year, and was only 0.3s outside the overall two-year-old state record set by Karalta Artemis in 2022.
&ldquo;She was fantastic. She was very green but has a lot of natural ability,&rdquo; said Yole.
In the second heat of the Fehlberg Produce Two-Year-Old Colts &amp; Geldings Sweepstakes (1609m), Barber Shop ($4.20) scored by a head over B T CAPTIVATE ($2.20 fav) and Solo Safari ($21) in 1:57.9s.
Both Bain-trained runners have qualified for $30,000 finals at Hobart this Saturday.
&nbsp;

Aaron Bain Racing

ABR Weekend Review

Aaron Bain

Solar Mist

The Saturday meeting at Morphettville marks the finish of the South Australian metropolitan 2024/25 thoroughbred season.
Trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor go into the meeting assured of finishing sixth on the SA metro premiership.
With 21 wins at a strike rate of 17% it is a figure to be proud of with and ABR has three acceptors to try and improve the record.
In-form METRICAL may back up in race five the Sportsbet Set A Deposit Limit Handicap (1200m) at 1.42pm SA time.
He has drawn barrier eight with Jason Holder to ride.
With two wins and two seconds from four runs this preparation, the five-year-old is racing in peak form.
He was an excellent second last Saturday around the Parks track beaten in a photo finish.
This will be the first time in his career that METRICAL has backed up within a week, but trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor are happy with his recovery and prepared to give it a go.
METRICAL opened at $4.20 with Sportsbet but is now into $3.60 favourite with a strong stream of support.
ABR&rsquo;s other two acceptors are both in the same event, race nine, the Grand Syndicates/Aaron Bain Racing Handicap (1100m) at 4.42pm SA time.
EL CAPONY has drawn gate three in an acceptance of 20, including four emergencies and Zac Spain has been booked.
The mare disappointed first up at Murray Bridge and can improve and it should be noted her second up record is quite respectable.
Sportsbet price assessors give her no chance and after opening at $61 and is now out to $81.
Track conditions will also play a part in whether she runs as the team would be reluctant to start her on a heavy track.
SOLAR MIST is ABR&rsquo;s other acceptor, but he copped the double whammy.
He is fourth emergency and has come up with gate 19.
Apprentice Matthew Chadwick has been engaged and can claim 3kg to reduce his weight to just 53kg.
The grey has been racing well without much luck with good thirds at his past three starts. There were two early scratchings bringing him a little closer to obtaining a start.
Again, Sportsbet think he has the job ahead and he opened at $31 and is now out to $35.
A decision on whether SOLAR MIST runs will be decided on Saturday morning.
SOLAR MIST is one of two horses ABR accepted with for Sunday&rsquo;s Gawler meeting, but the preference would be to run on Saturday if he can obtain a start.
He is in the final event on Sunday, race seven, the Kingsford Hotel Colts, Geldings &amp; Entires Rating 0-56 Handicap (1200m) at 4.35pm SA time.
SOLAR MIST has drawn barrier 12 in an acceptance of 17 with three emergencies.
It is not a bad draw for him considering the track was rated a soft 7 at acceptance time and with the forecast rain it will certainly be in the heavy range by race time.
Apprentice Matthew Chadwick will ride again and claim 2kg bringing the grey&rsquo;s weight down to 58kg.
SOLAR MIST certainly should be competitive.
ABR&rsquo;s other acceptor was OH LOVEY NO in race one, the Sportsbet Maiden (1700m) at 12.35pm.
Matthew Chadwick will ride again and his 2kg claim bringing the mare in that amount under the limit weight coming from barrier two in an acceptance of 10.
Trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor decided to scratch from last Wednesday at Murray Bridge in favour of Sunday&rsquo;s race.
<h3>Harness Racing Update</h3>
Trainer Peter Bain heads across Bass Strait to start off ABR&rsquo;s harness racing weekend on Friday.
ABR has two runners engaged in Sweepstakes heats in Hobart culminating in $30,000 finals at the same venue on Saturday, August 2.
RAVISHING RUBY steps out in race one, the Fehlbergs Produce 2YO Fillies Sweepstakes Heat Two (1609m) at 4.42pm SA time.&rsquo;
She will come from gate four with Mark Yole to drive.
The filly is on debut but has impressed in her work at home.
B T CAPTIVATE is also on debut in race three, the Fehlbergs Produce 2YO Colts &amp; Geldings Sweepstakes heat two at 5.46pm SA time.
He has got the &lsquo;visitor&rsquo;s draw&rsquo; coming from the outside of the front in gate seven.
The colt, a son of champion sire Captaintreacherous has also done well to earn his Tassie trip.
Just the one runner for ABR at Globe Derby Park on Saturday.
NO NOTTHEBUTTONS, now in the care of Peter Bain, lines up in race four the K &amp; S Electrical Pace (1800m) at 8.25pm SA time.
He will come from gate five with Bernadette Page in the sulky.
NO NOTTHEBUTTONS has won his past two GDP runs in great style and will be strongly fancied to complete the hat-trick.

Weekend preview

Aaron Bain Racing&rsquo;s decision to take a team to the Mildura Cup carnival paid dividends with two good winners.
SHOOTOOSE turned in a tough performance to score narrowly on Friday, then TERRITORIAN overcame a shocking start to win on Saturday and give ABR our first winner for the Grand Syndicates ownership group.
On Wednesday, ABR heads to Murray Bridge on Wednesday with just the one runner.
We are hoping to see further improvement from OH LOVEY NO in race two, the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Maiden (2000m) at 12.45pm SA time.
Apprentice Matt Chadwick will ride and claim 2kg coming from barrier three in an acceptance of 12. There was an early scratching reducing the field to 11.
OH LOVEY NO ran better second up at Gawler last week over 1700 metres and should be suited by the extra 300 metres on Wednesday.
Saturday at Morphettville, Sunday at Sportsbet Gawler then next Wednesday at Balaklava completes the 2024/25 racing season. 
ABR Weekend Star <img src="https://www.prism.horse/api/public/image/5b24aa4b094644e2b4dc544c168c3333.png" alt="" width="677" height="451" /> 
TERRITORIAN was definitely ABR&rsquo;s weekend star with a last-to-first victory at Mildura on Saturday.
It was like a harness racing with TERRITORIAN coming off a handicap after rearing in the gates and giving away a five length start to the rest of the field.
For Aaron Bain Racing we were delighted to land our first winner for the successful Grand Syndicates ownership group.
But it was not achieved without early drama in the Mildura Rural City Council Maiden (1400m).
The three-year-old, expected to race up on the speed, reared up as the gates opened losing four lengths and settled at the tail of the field giving his backers and supporters heart palpitations.
Jockey Brad Rawiller didn&rsquo;t panic on Territorian ($1.28 fav) and railed up throughout not going around another runner and the gelding finished best to grab a half-length win from Aussie Adaptor ($15) with Goochee Gal ($7) a neck away third.
The victory brought up a Mildura Cup double for ABR having won with Shootoose on day one.
After two excellent seconds at Balaklava, Territorian deserved a win, and he can go progress through the grades following his maiden win.
Trainer Ned Taylor said Territorian had done an excellent job after his mistake at the start.
&ldquo;Obviously things didn&rsquo;t go to plan early,&rdquo; Taylor said.
&ldquo;Brad (Rawiller) made it work, and the horse was really good.
&ldquo;He got very strong on him mid-race and hit the line strongly.
&ldquo;It was encouraging that his last 100 metres was his best.
&ldquo;We are very happy with the horse and result.
&ldquo;In time he looks like he could get 1600 metres but for the present we might look for a Class One over 1400 metres for him.&rdquo;
Winning jockey Brad Rawiller believes Territorian can continue to improve.
&ldquo;Apologies for the start,&rdquo; Rawiller said.
&ldquo;You want to take advantage of a good barrier. I can&rsquo;t put it down to anything, he just wanted to step back and went up in the air.
&ldquo;The result was we had to ride him from behind.
&ldquo;He travelled through and was always going to be hard to beat.
&ldquo;When he got the split, at first, I was not overconfident, but I liked his last 100 metres.
&ldquo;He held them off strong and that was despite trying to half get away from the inside.
&ldquo;He was well placed today and mine was the easy part even though I nearly stuffed it up.
&ldquo;Hopefully, it will be a good confidence boost going forward.
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Superb Shootoose <img src="https://www.prism.horse/api/public/image/3f13d362aa864b299d3355de715a2ff0.png" alt="" width="683" height="455" /> 
The decision by Aaron Bain Racing to target the two-day Mildura Cup carnival stuck gold first up with a brilliant victory by Shootoose.
Scoring a last-stride victory in the Mildura Gateway Tavern Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m), Shootoose also gave the training partnership of Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor their first interstate success.
The six-year-old, a $31 chance, settled second last early for jockey Taylor Johnstone before being brought to the outside in the home straight.
The gelding steadily reduced the margin on the leaders arriving to score a short half head win from Mistavain ($19) with Neon&rsquo;s Last ($11) a long neck away third.
Trainer Aaron Bain said Shootoose may have postponed retirement with his win.
&ldquo;We put the tongue tie on today,&rdquo; Bain said.
&ldquo;He was here in Mildura to retire.
&ldquo;One last effort and he has done well, so he might still retire a winner.
&ldquo;He went terrific today and defied the early track pattern.
&ldquo;He went super and a great ride by Taylor (Johnstone).
&ldquo;We will take him home and on today&rsquo;s showing maybe there is another run or two in him.
&ldquo;Maybe a 1400 metre race on a suitable track if we can find one.&rdquo;
Winning jockey Taylor Johnstone said she he not been surprised by Shootoose&rsquo;s win.
&ldquo;His last couple of runs have been a bit disappointing,&rdquo; Johnstone said.
&ldquo;However, I jumped him out on Monday, and he gave me a really lovely feel.
&ldquo;If he was going to win, he went in to today 100% right.
&ldquo;I was a little bit worried when he jumped a bit slow from the gates, but I was patient, and it worked out well.
&ldquo;I knew I was travelling into the corner really well, but I wanted to be as patient as I could on him.
&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t want him to hit the front too early because he is a bit of a thinker.
&ldquo;It was a tight finish, and he did a good job to stick his neck out.&rdquo;
Shootoose has won four races from 14 starts since being bought online by Aaron Bain Racing collecting $98,575 to more than justify his purchase.
&nbsp;

Weekend at Mildura

Aaron Bain Racing was delighted to land our first winner for the successful Grand Syndicates ownership group when Territorian won at Mildura on Saturday, July 19.
But it was not achieved without early drama in the Mildura Rural City Council Maiden (1400m).
The three-year-old, expected to race up on the speed, reared up as the gates opened losing four lengths and settled at the tail of the field giving his backers and supporters heart palpitations.
Jockey Brad Rawiller didn&rsquo;t panic on Territorian ($1.28 fav) and railed up throughout not going around another runner and the gelding finished best to grab a half-length win from Aussie Adaptor ($15) with Goochee Gal ($7) a neck away third.
The victory brought up a Mildura Cup double for ABR having won with Shootoose on day one.
After two excellent seconds at Balaklava, Territorian deserved a win, and he can go progress through the grades following his maiden win.
Trainer Ned Taylor said Territorian had done an excellent job after his mistake at the start.
&ldquo;Obviously things didn&rsquo;t go to plan early,&rdquo; Taylor said.
&ldquo;Brad (Rawiller) made it work, and the horse was really good.
&ldquo;He got very strong on him mid-race and hit the line strongly.
&ldquo;It was encouraging that his last 100 metres was his best.
&ldquo;We are very happy with the horse and result.
&ldquo;In time he looks like he could get 1600 metres but for the present we might look for a Class One over 1400 metres for him.&rdquo;
Winning jockey Brad Rawiller believes Territorian can continue to improve.
&ldquo;Apologies for the start,&rdquo; Rawiller said.
&ldquo;You want to take advantage of a good barrier. I can&rsquo;t put it down to anything, he just wanted to step back and went up in the air.
&ldquo;The result was we had to ride him from behind.
&ldquo;He travelled through and was always going to be hard to beat.
&ldquo;When he got the split, at first, I was not overconfident, but I liked his last 100 metres.
&ldquo;He held them off strong and that was despite trying to half get away from the inside.
&ldquo;He was well placed today and mine was the easy part even though I nearly stuffed it up.
&ldquo;Hopefully, it will be a good confidence boost going forward.

Territorian

The decision by Aaron Bain Racing to target the two-day Mildura Cup carnival stuck gold first up with a brilliant victory by Shootoose.
Scoring a last-stride victory in the Mildura Gateway Tavern Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m), Shootoose also gave the training partnership of Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor their first interstate success.
The six-year-old, a $31 chance, settled second last early for jockey Taylor Johnstone before being brought to the outside in the home straight.
The gelding steadily reduced the margin on the leaders arriving to score a short half head win from Mistavain ($19) with Neon&rsquo;s Last ($11) a long neck away third.
Trainer Aaron Bain said Shootoose may have postponed retirement with his win.
&ldquo;We put the tongue tie on today,&rdquo; Bain said.
&ldquo;He was here in Mildura to retire.
&ldquo;One last effort and he has done well, so he might still retire a winner.
&ldquo;He went terrific today and defied the early track pattern.
&ldquo;He went super and a great ride by Taylor (Johnstone).
&ldquo;We will take him home and on today&rsquo;s showing maybe there is another run or two in him.
&ldquo;Maybe a 1400 metre race on a suitable track if we can find one.&rdquo;
Winning jockey Taylor Johnstone said she he not been surprised by Shootoose&rsquo;s win.
&ldquo;His last couple of runs have been a bit disappointing,&rdquo; Johnstone said.
&ldquo;However, I jumped him out on Monday, and he gave me a really lovely feel.
&ldquo;If he was going to win, he went in to today 100% right.
&ldquo;I was a little bit worried when he jumped a bit slow from the gates, but I was patient, and it worked out well.
&ldquo;I knew I was travelling into the corner really well, but I wanted to be as patient as I could on him.
&ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t want him to hit the front too early because he is a bit of a thinker.
&ldquo;It was a tight finish, and he did a good job to stick his neck out.&rdquo;
Shootoose has won four races from 14 starts since being bought online by Aaron Bain Racing collecting $98,575 to more than justify his purchase.

Shootoose

Aaron Bain Racing has a busy weekend with racing on Friday and Saturday plus we go for another Group 1 harness racing winner.
Thoroughbreds head to Mildura for the two days of the club&rsquo;s Cup carnival along with Morphettville Parks in Adelaide.
On Saturday evening, ABR&rsquo;s attention switches to Albion Park in Brisbane for the ID25 Ladbrokes Inter Dominion Trotting Championship when PARISIAN ARTISTE goes for glory.
The action starts at Mildura on Friday where ABR has accepted with five runners but will only start three.
TERRITORIAN was in race one, the bet365 Never Ordinary Maiden (1400m) but trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor have opted to run him on Saturday.
SHOOTOOSE will be ABR&rsquo;s first runner in race four, the Mildura Gateway Tavern Benchmark 64 Handicap (1200m) at 2pm SA time.
He has come up with gate five in a field of 10 with Taylor Johnstone to ride.
SHOOTOOSE is better than his first up run and has an excellent second up record.
Early markets have him at $21 behind the $2.15 favourite Cripps.
STOKOMO has accepted in race five, the Mildura Motors Holding Benchmark 64 Handicap (1400m) at 2.30pm SA time and will take that challenge rather than at Morphettville Parks the following day.
Todd Pannell has been engaged to ride and has drawn barrier seven in a field of nine.
STOKOMO has run nicely in his two outings for ABR and gets his chance to step up.
He is listed at $6 in early betting behind the $2.70 favourite Dobbinair.
ABR accepted with two runners in the bet365 Mildura Cup (1400m), race seven, at 3,30pm SA time, but only one will run.
RUBAMOS will carry the number one saddlecloth with Taylor Johnstone to ride coming from gate nine in an acceptance of 12.
The seven-year-old has been set for this race for several months and has had two jump outs to ready him for a strong first up performance. He does have a very good first up record.
He is a $7 chance in early markets with the favourite Dubai Poet at $4.
METRICAL also accepted in the Cup but the trainers have opted to stay home with him to run at Morphettville Parks on Saturday believing there were too many negatives for him going forward if he won the Cup.
ABR will have two runners at Mildura on Saturday.
BELLEZZE kicks off the day in the opening event, the Mildura &amp; District Real Estate Maiden (1200m) at 12.26pm SA time.
She has drawn barrier six in a field of eight and will be ridden by Linda Meech.
BELLEZZE ran soundly when resuming and looks well placed here to be super competitive with the small field and long straight a bonus.
TERRITORIAN will take his place in race two the Mildura Rural City Council Maiden (1400m) at 1.01pm SA time.
Top senior rider Brad Rawiller will have the ride on TERRITORIAN which has drawn gate three in a field of 11.
The three-year-old has just been run down in his two runs for ABR, both at Balaklava.
Hopefully, at Mildura, he will be able to take a sit on the speed then be produced to make a winning run.
ABR accepted with four runners at Morphettville Parks on Saturday but only three will line up.
METRICAL is engaged in race one, the Quayclean Handicap (1250m) at 11.47pm SA time.
Jason Holder will ride coming from gate two in as field of eight.
Trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor opted to run here rather than go to Mildura on Friday for the Cup believing he has a great winning chance and thinking if he won the Cup on Friday would wind up disadvantaged with his rating.
With two wins and a second from his three runs this preparation, METRICAL is in excellent form and looks ideally placed.
After opening at $5, METRICAL is in to $4.60 with the favourite Layeruponlayer at $3.50.
STOKOMO accepted in race four, the Winning Edge Presentations Handicap (1250m) but the trainers believed he was better placed at Mildura on Friday and scratched him from Saturday.
HIGH GARDEN is booked to run in race seven, the Thomas Farms Handicap (1400m) at 3.27pm SA time.
The mare has drawn gate nine in an acceptance of 18 with four emergencies and Jason Holder will be in the saddle.
HIGH GARDEN will appreciate the step up in trip after her nice first up run at this track on June 28 and she has been sharpened by a good Murray Bridge jump out on Monday.
She is a second up winner so should be very competitive.
HIGH GARDEN is a $7.50 chance behind the $3.30 favourite, Be Responsible.
ABR&rsquo;s final acceptor is CONCORDE in race nine, the PFD Food Services Handicap (1550m) at 4.38pm SA time.
The import has drawn barrier eight in an acceptance of 16 with two emergencies.
Apprentice Matthew Chadwick will ride again claiming 3kg and bringing him in with an impost of 59.5kg.
ABR is looking forward to seeing CONCORDE run again after an eye-catching debut for trainers Aaron Basin &amp; Ned Taylor.
CONCORDE has been specked from $10 into $8.50 in an open betting race with the equal favourites Brave Star and Merchant Boss at $5.50.
<h3>Harness Racing</h3>
PARISIAN ARTISTE, ABR&rsquo;s first Group 1 winner, attempts another ultimate victory contesting the Group 1 $500,000 ID25 Ladbrokes Inter Dominion Trotting Championship (3175m) at Albion Park on Saturday, race seven at 8pm SA time.
Trained by Alex Ashwood and to be driven by his partner and new mum, Tayla French, PARISIAN ARTISTE has drawn gate four.
Taken to the front in his heat last week, the gelding led throughout to win impressively and ABR is looking for a positive performance on Saturday.
PARISIAN ARTISTE is quoted at $8 behind the $2.35 favourite Arcee Phoenix which has gate one. <img src="https://www.prism.horse/api/public/image/508b211172454b339653ff1644788b35.jpg" alt="" width="684" height="385" />

Weekend Preview

The outstanding feature race success of Aaron Bain Racing continued at Albion Park on Saturday when two-year-old LOUCASSO took out the Group 1 $500,000 2025 Ladbrokes Protostar (1660m).
It registered ABR&rsquo;s 13th victory in Group 1 races in just three-and-a-half years.
Ironically, our first Group 1 win was by PARISIAN ARTISTE which two races earlier at Albion Park had won his heat four of the ID25 Ladbrokes Inter Dominion Trotters Championship.
In our weekend preview, ABR suggested it would need a 10/10 drive by Mark Pitt for LOUCASSO to win the Protostar from gate seven, and he duly delivered.
ABR thanks trainer Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin for selecting our colt for their slot.
Tonkin said it was fantastic to see so many people enjoy LOUCASSO&rsquo;s victory.
&ldquo;It was unexpected for LOUCASSO to find the front but there was so much early carnage,&rdquo; Tonkin said.
&ldquo;He is a great two-year-old and he has great manners.
&ldquo;It was good to have so many owners on course, but that is what Aaron Bain Racing and Summit Bloodstock do, they get a lot of people involved in horse ownership.
&ldquo;When he found the front and they started cheering I was hoping they didn&rsquo;t get too excited too early. It was great to have so many people and their families at Albion Park to celebrate.&rdquo;
PARISIAN ARTISTE won the Group 1 Vicbred 3YO Colts &amp; Geldings Trotters Final at Melton on December 31, 2021, for our initial success in a pinnacle final.
This Saturday, the now seven-year-old will line up in his third Group 1 Inter Dominion Trotters Grand Final having finished sixth in 2022 and 10th in 2024.
PARISIAN ARTISTE has been a wonderful soldier for ABR and a credit to part-owner-trainer Alex Ashwood and his partner, driver Tayla French, the pair celebrating the recent birth of their son Levi.
From gate four on Saturday, we hope another feature Group 1 is possible.
On the thoroughbred front, just the one runner at the midweek meeting at Sportsbet Gawler.
OH LOVEY NO runs for ABR in race one, the Irongate Australia Maiden (1700m) at 12.45pm SA time.
The four-year-old mare has drawn barrier 11 in an acceptance of 15 with three emergencies.
Apprentice Matthew Chadwick will ride and claim 2kg bringing the mare in that amount under the minimum.
OH LOVEY NO had her first run for ABR over the same track and trip on June 25 finishing seventh.
The four-year-old mare has improved since then and we hope she can be more competitive on Wednesday.
ABR is looking forward to strong representation, both on Mildura Cup day on Friday, then Morphettville Parks on Saturday.
Many of the expected runners have good jump outs at Murray Bridge on Monday morning.
<h4>ABR Weekend Star </h4>
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tmOCMEmSSuA" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe>
&nbsp;
A brilliant drive by Mark Pitt enabled LOUCASSO to chalk up a Group 1 victory for Aaron Bain Racing at Albion Park on Saturday.
Coming from the extreme outside of the front row in gate seven, with early interference inside, Pitt was able to get the colt to a one-out, one-back spot early before going on to find the front.
After a 27.1 second first quarter of the last 1600 metres, Pitt was able to back off for a 30.7 second next quarter before coming home as last 800 metres in a sizzling 54 seconds for an overall mile rate of a fabulous 1:51.6.
Backed from $8.50 into $6.50, LOUCASSO scored by two metres from Ark Sea ($34) with Atua Magic ($21), 16 metres away third.
It was fantastic to see so many of ABR&rsquo;s wonderful ownership group involved in a Group 1 success.
An interesting side note to the victory was ABR principal Aaron Bain&rsquo;s watching of the Protostar.
With his recently boosted interest in the Adelaide Thunderbirds netball team, Aaron and partner Amy were courtside to watch the final round game against the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
The winner of the game would secure a place in the netball finals.
Playing the last quarter, the Thunderbirds were in front, but Aaron and Amy switched their attention to a phone to cheer home LOUCASSO.
The colt won and so did the T&rsquo;Birds, so it was a perfect night out.

Group One glory

Group 1 harness action for Aaron Bain Racing on Saturday with two-year-old LOUCASSO competing in the $500,000 Ladbrokes Protostar (1660m) at Albion Park
Firstly, ABR heads to the thoroughbred meeting at Thomas Farms Murray Bridge with two runners seeking to add to our metropolitan premiership tally.
LITTLEBOURKESTREET steps out in race four, the Sportsbet Fast Form Handicap (1000m) at 1.27pm SA time.
The three-year-old filly has drawn barrier three in a field of 14 with Jason Holder to take the ride.
LITTLEBOURKESTREET has had two runs from a spell and should appreciate the wide spaces of the Bridge circuit.
She did not have a lot of luck from gate one at Gawler and finished less than three lengths from the winner and should be competitive.
Betting agencies think LITTLEBOURKESTREET has little chance, and she is quoted at $26 behind the favourite Caladan at $2.70.
EL CAPONY continued the run of poor draws coming up with barrier 16 in an acceptance of 18 with four emergencies in race seven the Carlton Draught Handicap (1100m) at 3.22pm SA time.
Apprentice Matt Chadwick will ride and claim 3kg off her weight of 58kg which brings her in 0.5kg under the race minimum.
Chadwick rode EL CAPONY in both her trials to prepare for Saturday&rsquo;s return to racing.
The four-year-old mare has a win and three placings from four previous first-up runs.
Punters have jumped into the early odds and EL CAPONY has been backed from $9.50 into $7.50 in an open betting race where the favourite is Riche D&rsquo;amour at $6.50 after $12 had been bet early.
&nbsp;
<h2>Harness Racing</h2>
ABR&rsquo;s run of disappointing draws continued in Saturday&rsquo;s Group 1 $500,000 Ladbrokes Protostar (1660m) for two-year-olds at Albion Park.
LOUCASSO came up with gate seven, the outside of the front row in the feature. <img src="https://www.prism.horse/api/public/image/f4c50bc90b424820ab230cc7d73688e7.jpg" alt="" width="633" height="356" />
Trained by Emma Stewart, the colt will be driven by Mark Pitt.
Betting agencies have listed LOUCASSO at $6 with the favourite his stablemate Cardigan Dan at $3.20, starting from gate one. ABR is certain the odds would be reversed if the draws were swapped.
The colt has won four of his six starts with a best mile rate of 1:54.8.
He was beaten a head by Cardigan Dan at his most recent run at Ballarat on June 12 after sitting parked.
There is no doubt LOUCASSO is capable of winning, but it is going to need a 10/10 drive by Pitt.
Only the one runner for ABR at Globe Derby Park on Saturday.
LIZZIE SHELBY has come up with gate one in race four, the Kevin &amp; Kay Seymour SA Concession Drivers Series Pace (1800m) at 7.55pm SA time.
Bernadette Page, one of SA&rsquo;s best concession drivers, has the sit in the sulky for trainer Peter Bain.
A winner of four races since coming from NZ, LIZZIE SHELBY had no luck at her most recent outing when fourth having to come from the tail of the field in the Emerging Stars Series Final.
On Monday, another runner for ABR at Globe Derby Park.
HILLTOP CRUSADER, trained by Peter Bain and to be driven by Wayne Hill, contests race nine, the Crestline Meats Pace (1800m) at 5.28pm SA time.
The four-year-old will carry the nine saddlecloth and start from gate two on the second row.
He didn&rsquo;t have much luck at his last run and should be a sharp improver.

Aaron Bain Racing wants to say &ldquo;Thank You&rdquo; to METRO LEGEND, a crucial member in the growth of ABR.
The decision has been made to retire METRO LEGEND after his unplaced run at Gawler on Saturday.
Age and time catch up with everyone, and sadly, the time is now for the seven-year-old, but ABR will be forever grateful for his efforts.
When our bloodstock team was sourcing performed horses in 2022 to help grow the youthful ABR business, the decision was made, through Ned Taylor, to purchase METRO LEGEND from the stable of the then Annabel Neasham, now Archibald.
He came into our stable in February 2022 and finishes in July 2025 having won four wins of which three were metropolitan class, four seconds and eight thirds for ABR collecting $202,002 in stakes.
METRO LEGEND was a fantastic horse for ABR, and he will forever be a stable favourite. 
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On the racing front, ABR heads to Balaklava on Wednesday with three runners, two of which were scratched from Gawler on Saturday because of poor draws.
Unfortunately, TERRITORIAN did not fare much better again coming up with barrier 13 in a field of 14 in race three, the Harold Lane OAM Maiden (1300m), at 12.45pm SA time.
Jason Holder has been booked to ride.
A Grand Syndicates-owned three-year-old, TERRITORIAN was an excellent second first up for ABR over 1200 metres at Balaklava on June 18, being grabbed in virtually the last bound.
WARM BREEZE came up with a good gate of five in a field of 14 in race seven, the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Benchmark 56 Handicap (1050m) at 3.05pm SA time.
Apprentice Matthew Chadwick has been engaged, and he will claim 2kg off the gelding&rsquo;s weight of 63kg.
The five-year-old has won his past two starts at Murray Bridge and Gawler and has good claims for a hat-trick.
The run of poor draws continued with SOLAR MIST which came up with gate 17 in an acceptance of 20 with four emergencies in race nine the Phyllis &amp; Shirley O&rsquo;Dea Memorial Benchmark 56 Handicap (1300m) at 4.15pm SA time.
Apprentice Matthew Chadwick has the ride and claims 2kg off the grey&rsquo;s weight of 60kg.
The four-year-old has run really well with thirds at his two runs this preparation.
He does like to race outside horses, but this draw is a bit much.
<h2>ABR Weekend Star </h2>
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NO NOTTHEBUTTONS is ABR&rsquo;s weekend star following his comfortable win at Globe Derby Park on Monday.
The four-year-old avoided possible early carnage with an excellent drive by Wayne Hill before going on to victory in the Kevin &amp; Kay Seymour Pace (1800m).
After opening at $1.12, NO NOTTHEBUTTONS drifted out to a fair price of $1.35 favourite.
Hill elected to go back to the tail of the field from barrier six, but two horses in front of him galloped and he angled the Emma Stewart-trained gelding away from possible serious interference.
The result was Hill was able to allow NO NOTTHEBUTTONS to settle one-out, one-back.
The race developed into a sprint home and the ABR pacer drew clear to win by four metres from Tairlaw Toll ($5.50) with Lochinvar Camaro ($10), five metres away third.
NO NOTTHEBUTTONS rated a good 1:58.4 coming home his last 800 metres in 57.9 seconds.
The victory is his second in as row in a SA campaign and he is expected to go for a hat-trick on Saturday at Globe Derby Park..
&nbsp;

Thank you Metro Legend

Stimulated by the visit of the Melbourne Cup trophy to Angaston Park on Monday, Aaron Bain Racing heads to our home track Sportsbet Gawler for a metropolitan meeting on Saturday.
ABR accepted with five runners, but the barrier draws were not completely kind.
TERRITORIAN, an excellent first-up second for ABR at Balaklava, accepted in the opening event, the Sportsbet Racing Cash Out Maiden (1200m) but unfortunately, came up with gate 16 in an acceptance of 17 with three emergencies.
Trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor decided to scratch and run him next Wednesday at Balaklava
FLIRT was ABR&rsquo;s second acceptor in race two, the Kingsford Hotel Handicap (1200m) at 12.12pm SA time.
The two-year-old filly also didn&rsquo;t fare too well in the drawing coming up with gate 10 in a field of 11.
Apprentice Taylor Johnstone has been booked and can claim 2kg to bring the filly in that weight under the minimum.
FLIRT, formerly trained in Victoria, knocked up after being prominent on race debut at Bendigo in February.
She has had two trials for ABR to ready her for a return to racing.
Early markets have FLIRT at $19 behind the $3.10 favourite Bootlegger.
FOLLOWING SEA is ABR&rsquo;s third runner, in race three, the Matrix Solar Solutions Handicap (1700m) at 12.47pm SA time.
The four-year-old is stepping up to a suitable trip and has barrier two in a field of 12.
Apprentice Matthew Chadwick will ride and claim 3kg.
FOLLOWING SEA went forward second up which didn&rsquo;t really suit and he faded but going up in distance on Saturday will be better for him.
His three wins have been from 1600m to 2200m, so ABR is looking for a bold showing.
FOLLOWING SEA has been installed at $16 with the favourite Oxford Blue at $3.40.
ABR&rsquo;s next runner is in race four, the Magain Fielke Real Estate Gawler Handicap (1100m) at 1.22pm SA time.
Stable favourite METRO LEGEND has drawn barrier seven in a field of 11 with apprentice Matthew Chadwick in the saddle claiming 3kg.
The seven-year-old has been a wonderful soldier in the growth of ABR and he has been set for Saturday&rsquo;s race which could be his final racetrack appearance.
METRO LEGEND has not had much luck in two runs this preparation and we know he loves Gawler especially with the sting out of the track.
Bookmakers don&rsquo;t rate him highly and METRO LEGEND is currently $46 with Lovely Lookin&rsquo; public elect at $3.70.
ABR&rsquo;s other acceptor was WARM BREEZE in race eight, the Holdfast Insurance Brokers Handicap (1200m) at 3.52pm SA time.
The five-year-old was another not to fare well when the marbles came out coming up with barrier 14 in an acceptance of 16 with two emergencies.
Jason Holder has been booked to ride but the trainers are expected to scratch and save for a suitable race at Balaklava on Wednesday.
&nbsp;
<h2>Harness Racing Update</h2>
Star ABR two-year-old LOUCASSO has been confirmed as a runner in the $500,000 Ladbrokes Protostar at Albion Park in Brisbane on Saturday, July 12.
Trainer Emma Stewart, and her partner Clayton Tonkin, had a slot and selected LOUCASSO as their runner.
With four wins from just six starts, including the $150,000 Australian Pacing Gold final at Melton on May 24, the two-year-old just needs luck in the draw to be a prominent player in the Ladbrokes Protostar.
On the racing front, ABR has two runners at Melton on Saturday.
Our star mare KISS steps out in race one, the Benstud Standardbreds Free For All (2240m) at 4.47pm SA time.
She has drawn gate one with Jackie Barker in the sulky.
KISS has come from poor draws at her past two runs but still finished in the placings and should get a great run on Saturday.
She has been backed from $5.50 into $4.40 with the favourite Yambukian at $2.70.
WINGS ON THE LINE, which has built a great record in SA, has her first run for trainer Emma Stewart in race seven, the Hygain Victory Mares Pace (1720m) at 8.09pm SA time.
She will come from gate six with stable reinsman Mark Pitt to drive.
WINGS ON THE LINE has won 11 of her 17 runs and it will be exciting to see her step out for Emma Stewart.
The mare has been installed a $3 favourite.
In South Australia, the main meeting is being conducted on Monday and ABR has three runners.
NO NOTTHEBUTTONS, an excellent winner last Saturday, runs again in race three, the Kevin &amp; Kay Seymour Pace (1800m) at 2.08pm SA time.
Trained by Emma Stewart, he has drawn wide in gate seven with Wayne Hill in the sulky.
TAKE MY WALLET, impressive in two runs from a break, starts in race eight, the Northside Trophies Pace (1800m) at 5.02pm SA time.
Trained by Peter Bain, she also has drawn barrier seven, with Bernadette Page to drive.
The Bain-trained HILLTOP CRUSADER runs in race nine, the Ladbrokes Quick Multi 3YO &amp; 4YO Pace (1600m) at 5.36pm SA time.
He will start from gate two with Wayne Hill to drive.
HILLTOP CRUSADER won at Globe Derby in May before having issues at Mildura.
He is lightly-raced and even though there are only six starters, it is a quality race.

Monday also saw another first for ABR.
The 2025 Melbourne Cup trophy stopped off at Angaston Park on its journey around the world before finding its way to Flemington on the first Tuesday in November.
Angaston Park has already supplied three Melbourne Cup winners, Beldale Ball, At Talaq and ABR would love to make it four.
About 100 people joined us on Monday, and it was an honour to have the Cup at our fantastic training property.
On the race front, ABR heads to Murray Bridge on Wednesday with just the one runner.
BELLEZZE will contest race one, the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Maiden (1200m) at 12.10 pm SA time.
The three-year-old filly has drawn gate three in a field of 12 and will be ridden by apprentice Matthew Chadwick who can claim 2kg off her weight of 55.5kg
BELLEZZE is resuming from a spell, having her last run at Gawler in December.
The filly had looked good at her previous run when third over 1200m at Balaklava.
She has had two nice trials at Balaklava and Morphettville Parks to ready for her race return.
ABR believes the daughter of Artie Schiller can make the grade and hopes for a competitive effort on Wednesday.
METRICAL brought up the 21st metro success for trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor in the 2024/25 season with a fabulous finish at Morphettville Parks on Saturday.
Jockey Jason Holder rode a perfect race and read about the win in the Weekend Star section.
On Saturday, ABR was delighted to see our talented NO NOTTHEBUTTONS return to the winning list at Globe Derby Park.
Trained by Emma Stewart, and driven by Wayne Hill, NO NOTTHEBUTTONS came from last to win the Northside Trophies Handicap (2230m).
He displayed great speed down the back straight racing to the lead and drawing clear to win by five metres.
The four-year-old had no luck when resuming at his previous run and Saturday was a much better guide to his ability.
<h2>ABR Weekend Star </h2>
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METRICAL was ABR&rsquo;s weekend star with a superb sprint to win at Morphettville Parks.
In career-best form, METRICAL earned a chance at the Mildura Cup with a powerful victory at Morphettville Parks on Saturday.
Co-trainers Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor believe METRICAL would be perfectly suited in the $100,000 Mildura Cup (1400m) on Friday, July 18.
At Morphettville Parks, the five-year-old, carrying 60kg, burst between runners late to grab a win in the Festival Hire Handicap (1250m).
Well backed from as much as $12 into $6.50, METRICAL, ridden by Jason Holder, scored by a long neck from Delightful Shecky ($14) with Merchant Boss ($10), a similar margin away third.
The gelding jumped nicely from gate one but was allowed to balance up midfield on settling down.
Holder was patient approaching the home turn waiting for a gap to appear and he was able to ease three wide in the straight.
Once he found open going, METRICAL extended quickly, gathered in the leaders for an impressive win.
The five-year-old now has two wins and an excellent second in three runs from a break for Aaron Bain Racing.
Trainer Aaron Bain said barrier one had been a pre-race concern.
&ldquo;We had a call Thursday night and said did we want to run from one,&rdquo; Bain said.
&ldquo;Myself, Ned (Taylor) and Will (O&rsquo;Malley, we spoke hard about it, but the horse needed a run to not be five weeks between starts.
&ldquo;Now he&rsquo;s won we can go to the Mildura Cup in three weeks on the minimum.
&ldquo;His three starts back have been outstanding.
&ldquo;We find that a lot with the tried horses that in the second prep they bounce through, but it is really exciting to be heading to the Mildura Cup with him.&rdquo;
Winning jockey Jason Holder praised the trainers for the win by METRICAL.
&ldquo;Aaron and Ned have done a great job with him,&rdquo; Holder said.
&ldquo;They reset METRICAL this time in, gave him a few trials and got to learn about him.
&ldquo;We had to ride him for luck from gate one.
&ldquo;He kept travelling and actually made my job pretty easy.
&ldquo;When I asked him to go through gaps, he responded quickly.
&ldquo;He keeps improving, he was great.&rdquo;

Two rich harness racing finals for two-year-olds at Melton on Saturday take the spotlight for Aaron Bain Racing this weekend.
But firstly, there will be a trip to Thomas Farms Murray Bridge for the thoroughbreds on Saturday.
Ultra-consistent THERE GOES MY HERO backs up after an excellent second at Morphettville Parks
He runs in race five, the Daish Irrigation &amp; Fodder Handicap (2500m) at 1.52pm SA time, drawing gate 11 in an acceptance of 14, but already there has been a scratching.
Apprentice Taylor Johnstone takes the ride and with her 2kg claim, the four-year-old will carry 2kg under the minimum.
THERE GOES MY HERO was an excellent second behind Queensland Derby-bound Party Crasher last week.
Early markets have the gelding at $5 with the favourite Sentimental Flame at $3.30.
ABR&rsquo;s other runner is METRO LEGEND which has drawn terribly in race nine, the Mulch N More Handicap (1400m) at 4.25pm SA time.
He has drawn gate 19 in an acceptance of 20 with four emergencies.
Apprentice Taylor Johnstone will claim 2kg off his weight of 62.5kg.
METRO LEGEND has had just one from a break, in the Listed Hills Railway Stakes at Oakbank, beaten 3.24 lengths by the winner Volcanic Express.
Early markets have the gelding at $15 with the favourite Sachem at $5.50.
<h3>Harness Racing</h3>
ABR is hoping for feature successes at Melton on Saturday night.
LOUCASSO lines up in the $150,000 APG Melbourne Sales Graduate Series Final (1720m) for two-year-old colts &amp; geldings, race eight at 8.18pm SA time.
Trained by Emma Stewart and to be driven by Mark Pitt, he will come from gate three in a field of eight.
Bookmakers think LOUCASSO will win and have him at $1.09 favourite.
Then, DEGARMEA TEALE will start in the $150,000 APG Melbourne Sales Graduate Series Final (1720m) for two-year-old fillies, race nine at 8.44pm SA time.
Also trained by Stewart, the filly will be driven by Jackie Barker and carry the number four saddlecloth in a field of seven.
DEGARMEA TEALE has been installed a $1.20 favourite.
ABR is hopeful the pair can justify their short quotes.
At Globe Derby Park, CAPTAIN PERFECT will attempt to notch a third straight win in as many weeks when he contests race eight, the T Junction Performing At Globe Sunday May 25 Pace (1800m) at 9.50pm SA time.
The three-year-old has drawn gate 10 in a field of 11 with one emergency, with top concession reinsperson Bernadette Page to drive.
Trained by Emma Stewart, CAPTAIN PERFECT won the SA St Leger two weeks ago, then scored by a brilliant 55-1/2 metres last week.
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Aaron Bain Racing | News 61982 Feature Harness Finals

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