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" />

Aaron Bain Racing

Weekend Preview

Aaron Bain

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>
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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.
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<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.

Weekend preview

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..
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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.
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<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;

ABR Weekend Review

Metrical

Aaron Bain Racing has three acceptances for Saturday&rsquo;s Morphettville Parks meeting.
Promising mare HIGH GARDEN returns to racing in the opening event, the Dominant Handicap (1250m) at 11.32am SA time.
A winner at Balaklava and Murray Bridge at her last two runs before a break, the mare has barrier six in a field of 13 with Jake Toeroek to ride.
HIGH GARDEN has had two trials to ready her for a return to the track and ABR believes Saturday&rsquo;s race is an ideal kick off for this campaign.
After opening at $14, the mare firmed to $11 but $12 is now generally available with the favourite Angerl Torque at $3.90.
We have to wait until race seven, the Festival Hire Handicap (1250m) at 3.12pm SA time for our next runner.
METRICAL has come up with gate one in an acceptance of 16 with two emergencies.
Jason Holder rides the five-year-old which has a win and a second from his two runs this preparation.
He will need some luck late, but ABR is certain he will be super competitive.
METRICAL has had good support firming from an appealing opening price of $11 into $8.50 with the favourite Super Alana at $4.80.
High price import CONCORDE is ABR&rsquo;s other runner in the final event, race nine, the AIG Security Handicap (1400m) at 4.30pm SA time.
He has barrier seven in an acceptance of 17 with three emergencies.
Apprentice Matthew Chadwick will ride and claim 3kg off his 63.5kg impost.
CONCORDE, a winner of four races in Europe, failed to flatter in four Australian runs before joining trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor.
He has had two trials before lining up on Saturday, and ABR would be hoping to see him working strongly through the line as his best form is over staying trips.
CONCORDE opened at $61, there was some specking into $51 but he is again out to his opening price. Favourite is Synchro at $2.50.
<h3>Harness Racing</h3>
On Friday, trainer Peter Bain took the in-form LA MOTH to Mildura.
She drew gate three on the second row wearing saddlecloth nine in race seven, the H.B.F. Fabrications Pace (1790m) at 4.08pm SA time.
Wayne Hill, who drove five winners from six races at Port Pirie on Tuesday, was in the sulky.
Bain also had first-starter HILLTOP STAR in race nine, the Club Aquarius Maiden (2190m) at 5.08pm SA time.
Wayne Hill was driving from barrier seven, gate one on the second row.
On Saturday, LIZZIE SHELBY drew horribly in the $25,000 Kevin &amp; Kay Seymour Emerging Stars Pacers Final (1800m), race five at 7.35pm SA time.
The Peter Bain-trained mare has saddlecloth 11, gate four on the second row, making it a tough contract.
In-form Wayne Hill will need to produce a pearler to get her home.
Trainer Emma Stewart has NO NOTTHEBUTTONS in race seven, the Northside Trophies Pace (2230m) at 8.43pm SA time.
Wayne Hill will drive coming from gate six.
Connections will be hoping for more luck that at his previous run when NO NOTTHEBUTTONS galloped after being badly hampered in the initial stages, eventually finishing fifth.

ABR Weekend Preview

Aaron Bain Racing heads to Sportsbet Gawler on Wednesday with a strong representation of five runners on the nine-event program.
It will be rain-affected going which should not be as disadvantage to the ABR team.
OH LOVEY NO will have her first run for trainers Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor stepping out in the opening event, the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Maiden (1700m) at 11.47pm SA time.
Apprentice Matthew Chadwick will ride and claim 2kg and she has drawn gate six in an acceptance of 124 which includes four emergencies.
OH LOVEY NO was scheduled to run at Balaklava but was scratched when she drew poorly.&rsquo;
The four-year-old mare has had a 1050m trial at Balaklava earlier this month but has always indicated to the trainers that she was looking for ground.
STOKOMO is ABR&rsquo;s next runner in race four the Matrix Solar Solutions Class One Handicap (1500m) at 1.30pm SA time.
To be ridden by Jason Holder, the four-year-old has gate three in an acceptance of 14 with four emergencies.
ABR was delighted with STOKOMO&rsquo;s first run for the stable when third over 1200m at Morphettville on May 31. Wednesday&rsquo;s step up to 1500 metres should be ideal.
LITTLEBOURKESTREET is next to grace the turf in race five, the Kingsford Hotel Class One Handicap (1100m) at 2.05pm SA time.
The three-year-old filly has drawn barrier one in an acceptance of 14 with four emergencies.
Jason Holder rides LITTLEBOURKESTREET which ran well on debut for ABR at Morphettville Parks on June 7 over 1000 metres.
Wednesday&rsquo;s race looks ideal second up and the filly should be competitive.
Popular grey SOLAR MIST will run in race seven, the Magain Fielke Real Estate Gawler Benchmark 56 Handicap (1200m) at 3.15pm SA time.
The four-year-old has drawn barrier two in an acceptance of 12 with two emergencies.
SOLAR MIST ran very well first up when third in a similar race at Sportsbet Gawler on June 9 and ABR is certain jockey Jason Holder will ensure he is very competitive again.
REFRESHING will be ABR&rsquo;s final starter on Wednesday, the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Benchmark 56 Handicap (1200m) at 4.25pm SA time,
Apprentice Matthew Chadwick will ride and claim 2kg off her topweight of 61.5kg.
The mare has drawn barrier six in an acceptance of 12 with two emergencies.
REFRESHING resumed over 1075m at Penola on June 1 and showed speed before fading late.
Wednesday&rsquo;s race looks a perfect second up run for the five-year-old mare and she does have a good record at her second run in as preparation.
&nbsp;
<h3>ABR Weekend Star</h3>
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gji1jIx9uMA" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" data-mce-fragment="1"></iframe> Star pacing mare LIZZIE SHELBY was ABR&rsquo;s Weekend Star with her all-the-way win at Globe Derby Park on Saturday.
It was a perfect lead in run to this Saturday&rsquo;s $25,000 Emerging Stars Pacers Final (1800m) at the same venue.
Now, we just have to hope for a favourable barrier.
Last Saturday, the four-year-old found the front from gate two in the Upstep Media Pace (2230m), and from then on, driver Wayne Hill was able to rate the Peter Bain-trained mare perfectly.
Hill had LIZZIE SHELBY record a comfortable 62.4 second first half of the last 1600 metres, then sprint her home in a quick 57.6 seconds.
The result was a 7-1/2 metre win rating 2:00.6, just an ideal fitness run.
LIZZIE SHELBY has won four of her six starts since being purchased from New Zealand and looks to have many more victories in store, hopefully the next this Saturday.

Strong Sportsbet Gawler representation

Angaston Park has already produced three winners of Australasia&rsquo;s greatest staying race, the Melbourne Cup.
Beldale Ball, At Talaq and Jeune started their Cup preparations for legendary trainer Colin Hayes around the property when it was named Lindsay Park.
Current day trainers Aaron Bain &amp; Ned Taylor have a win in a Melbourne Cup on their bucket list and that desire will be stimulated later this month.
We&rsquo;re thrilled to announce that the&nbsp;2025 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour&nbsp;is making a stop at&nbsp;Angaston Park, home of&nbsp;Aaron Bain Racing, as part of its prestigious national journey.&nbsp;
Presented by the Victoria Racing Club, the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour has, over the years, travelled more than 1 million kilometres, visited 680-plus towns, and brought the spirit and stories of Australia&rsquo;s most iconic race to communities across the country, and now, it&rsquo;s our turn!
On Monday, June 30, there is an opportunity to join us for the tour's visit and a special community event that celebrates racing history and the future of Australian thoroughbred racing.
In partnership with the&nbsp;Gawler &amp; Barossa Jockey Club,&nbsp;guests will enjoy a guided tour of the Angaston Park training facilities and a complimentary breakfast, while hearing stories from the Melbourne Cup&rsquo;s remarkable journey across the country.
Join us at Angaston Park, the iconic property formerly known as Lindsay Park, home of&nbsp;Aaron&nbsp;Bain Racing for a guided tour of the training facilities and a complimentary breakfast.
Monday, 30 June 2025 Location:&nbsp;Angaston Park (formerly Lindsay Park) Time:&nbsp;8:30am - 10:30am Includes: - A guided tour of Aaron Bain Racing&rsquo;s world-class training facilities - Complimentary breakfast - An up-close look at the Melbourne Cup trophy
<a href="https://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/2025-lexus-melbourne-cup-tour-gawler-barossa/181572?fbclid=IwY2xjawLB19dleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtcm5iaHNLc3VYVWxxRlo1AR65Uj3Gawl0nXKVwUnDhvgcUcEKl502cn0R8qg1_QyQySCI5vSNwSvUVDHAZQ_aem_xFQALImn1TXD6pqZJnfnYQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to book your ticket.&nbsp;</a>
 Bookings are essential,&nbsp;places are limited and will fill quickly. 
Bus transfers&nbsp;will be available from Gawler and are strongly recommended due to limited onsite parking. Use code 'ABRTOUR'.&nbsp;Guests also welcome to drive to Angaston Park.&nbsp;
Don&rsquo;t miss this unique opportunity to witness a piece of racing history at a property that has trained some of the greats.
On the racing front, Aaron Bain Racing had two acceptances for Saturday&rsquo;s Morphettville meeting.
Ultra-consistent THERE GOES MY HERO and SHOOTOOSE were our acceptors, and unfortunately, in-form METRICAL was balloted out.
THERE GOES MY HERO is listed to run in race two, the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap (2500m) at 12.07pm SA time.
Apprentice Taylor Johnstone has been booked to ride and claim 2kg off his 54kg weight which would mean he would carry 2kg under the minimum.
He has drawn gate nine in a field of 10.
Betting agencies consider THERE GOES MY HERO has a good chance opening him as the $4.20 favourite but within 24 hours he was out to $4.60 but still the public elect.
Trainers Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor also accepted with THERE GOES MY HERO in Sunday&rsquo;s Elders Port Augusta Squatter&rsquo;s Cup (1867m) at Port Augusta but have elected to run on Saturday.
THERE GOES MY HERO ran a string of five placings with two thirds and three seconds before his last-start fourth at Morphettville Parks.
SHOOTOOSE is engaged in race six, the Peter Elberg Funerals Handicap (1050m) at Morphettville on Saturday at 2.27pm SA time.
Jason Holder will ride, and he has drawn gate one in an acceptance of 17 with four emergencies.
The six-year-old had a soft trial at Balaklava on June 5 to prepare him for a return to racing.
SHOOTOOSE has a sound first up record, without winning, and it is good to have him back at the races.
After opening at $31 with some betting agencies, he was in to $27 with the favourite Palm Of Jumeirah at $5 in an opening betting race.
ABR is looking to have a strong representation at next Wednesday&rsquo;s Gawler meeting.
<h4>Harness Racing</h4>
ABR has two runners at Globe Derby Park on Saturday, and it will be early action for trainer Peter Bain.
LIZZIE SHELBY steps out in the opening event, the Upstep Media Pace (2230m) at 6.18pm SA time.
She will score up in gate two with Wayne Hill to drive.
First up victor TAKE MY WALLET is engaged in race two, the Ladbrokes Punter Assist Pace (1800m) at 6.54pm SA time.
She has drawn barrier six and will have Danielle Hill in the sulky.
At Melton in Victoria on Saturday, ABR&rsquo;s Breeders Crown-winning mare KISS is engaged in race eight the Mimosa Homes Mares Free-For-All (2240m) at 8.44pm SA time.
Trained by Emma Stewart, KISS has drawn the extreme outside in a field of seven.
She drew terribly in gate five on the second row at her last run and was excellent in finishing second.
On Friday, ABR accepted with two runners at the Melton meeting in Victoria.
Our star pacer HEZA PUNK ROCKER returns to racing in race five, the Mimosa Homes Pace (1720m) at 7.21pm SA time.
Trained by Emma Stewart, and driven by Mark Pitt, the ex-New Zealander has not raced since finishing fifth in the Tasmania Cup on March 22.
REACH THE PEAK was ABR&rsquo;s other runner in race nine, the Centre State Printing Pace (1720m) but the trainer elected to scratch as he wasn&rsquo;t quite right. He should be okay for next week.

Aaron Bain Racing&rsquo;s association with the very successful Grand Syndicates begins at Balaklava on Wednesday.
ABR was grateful the team behind Grand Syndicates approached earlier in the year to take over preparation of a number of their horses.
TERRITORIAN is the first runner for the ABR and Grand Syndicates stepping out in race two, the Gawler South Bakery Maiden (1200m) at 12.10pm SA time.
Formerly trained by David Jolly, the three-year-old has drawn gate four in an acceptance of 17 with three emergencies and will be ridden by Jason Holder.
TERRITORIAN has had two soft trials for ABR and each time, Holder was in the saddle.
The gelding has had six starts for a second at Oakbank and a third at Balaklava, which was over the 1200 metres of today&rsquo;s race.
Another new horse to ABR is OH LOVEY NO which accepted in race 3 at Balaklava but mare drew poorly in gate 16 in an acceptance of 18 with four emergencies and has been scratched.
Saturday&rsquo;s harness racing meeting at Globe Derby Park was postponed because of the inclement weather and will now be held on Wednesday afternoon.
ABR accepted with two runners but intends only starting one.
LA MOTH drew gate one in the Ladbrokes Odds Surge Pace (2230m) at 5.26pm SA time but trainer Peter Bain has opted to scratch the mare and save her for a suitable race this Saturday.
Victorian trainer Emma Stewart has sent the talented NO NOTTHEBUTTONS across and he comes from gate four in the field of six, with Wayne Hill in the sulky.
NO NOTTHEBUTTONS has not raced since November 30 when third in the Southern Cross 3YO C&amp;G final.
&nbsp;
ABR Weekend Star
Two-year-old pacing colt LOUCASSO has been selected as our weekend star.
While he may not have won at Ballarat last Thursday, his head second in the Durham Park 2YO Rising Star (1710m) was full of merit.
He was forced to sit parked and just failed to catch his stablemate Cardigan Dan in an excellent mile rate of 1:53.6.
The winner picked up the slot of the Ballarat Harness Racing Club for the Group 1 $500,000 Ladbrokes Protostar (1660m) at Albion Park on Saturday, July 12.
It is a race ABR would love for LOUCASSO to pick up a slot, and we hope trainer Emma Stewart may select him for her position.

First run for new group

Only the one runner at Thomas Farms Murray Bridge on Saturday.
FOLLOWING SEA steps out in race eight, the Thomas Farms Handicap (1400m) at 3.07pm SA time.
The four-year-old has drawn barrier 15 in an acceptance of 16 which includes two emergencies.
Top jockey Jason Holder retains the ride after FOLLOWING SEA&rsquo;s debut for ABR at Morphettville Parks on May 17.
The gelding ran a creditable fifth behind Synchro, an acceptor on Saturday, beaten 4.67 lengths.
He has since had a run around in a Balaklava 1050m trial on June 4 finishing as close up fourth when ridden by Holder.
FOLLOWING SEA has won second-up previously and the spacious Bridge circuit should suit.
Betting operators have listed at $31 behind the $3 favourite Synchro.
ABR took nine horses to the Morphettville Parks trials on Thursday to determine their upcoming plans.
Some will head to the races, some to the paddock for their development but trainers Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor were happy with the trials.
<h3>Harness Racing</h3>
ABR has to wait until the final event at Globe Derby Park on Saturday to see our two runners.
LA MOTH has drawn gate one in the Ladbrokes Odds Surge Pace (2230m) at 10.22pm SA time.
Trained by Peter Bain, the in-form mare will be driven by top concession driver Bernadette Page.
LA MOTH has won three of her four starts this preparation.
Victorian trainer Emma Stewart has sent the talented NO NOTTHEBUTTONS across and he comes from gate four in the field of six, with Wayne Hill in the sulky.
NO NOTTHEBUTTONS has not raced since November 30 when third in the Southern Cross 3YO C&amp;G final.
He trialled nicely in SA before going back to Emma Stewart and she has picked out Saturday&rsquo;s race for his resumption.

Aaron Bain Racing | Aaron Bain News 62188 First Run For New Group

First run for new group

Mon, Jun 16, 2025

BEGIN YOUR ABR JOURNEY

Aaron Bain Racing | Aaron Bain News 62188 First Run For New Group

First run for new group

Mon, Jun 16, 2025

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BEGIN YOUR ABR JOURNEY