Redemption for Tonkin as picture perfect Loucasso lands Group 1 Protostar

By Dylan Mutu

It wasn’t the prettiest of Group 1 races, but for Mark Pitt and the Emma Stewart–Clayton Tonkin team, you could say it was picture perfect as their juvenile gelding Loucasso claimed Group 1 glory in Saturday’s Ladbrokes Protostar.

On a night packed with excitement and drama through the Inter Dominion heats – headlined by champion Leap To Fame’s monstrous win – the second running of the Protostar added its own layer of suspense early.

As the gates opened in the $500,000 feature, two of the top seeds – Cardigan Dan and Fire And Passion – found early trouble and dropped to the back of the pack alongside Atua Magic, leaving Loucasso to rocket across and take full control.

Pitt was quick to credit Loucasso's ability and the Stewart–Tonkin stable for having the two-year-old primed for the big occasion.

"Once he got to the front, he controlled it and I just knew he’d be very hard to beat," Pitt said.

"He was actually a little bit lazy in front. I know they went a fast time, but once the other one sort of got to his girth, he really knuckled right in.

"It's a credit to Emma and Clayton to have him cherry right tonight."

A colt by Sweet Lou, the youngster had posted four wins from just six starts heading into Saturday night’s contest – including a victory in the $150,000 Australian Pacing Gold Final at Melton.

In a race that showcased the Stewart barn’s depth – with Cardigan Dan and Dynamitedan rounding out a three-pronged attack – co-trainer Clayton Tonkin was thrilled to land the win after coming heartbreakingly close in 2024.

“It was such a thrill. We got beaten in this race last year right on the line, so it was great to get the win this time around,” Tonkin said.

“It was a bit unexpected when he found the front – there was a lot of early carnage. But he’s a great two-year-old with terrific manners.”

Tonkin also expressed his delight in delivering the win for connections Aaron Bain and Summit Bloodstock, praising their long-time support and passion for growing ownership in the sport.

“Well, you know, that's what Summit Bloodstock and Aaron Bain Racing do,” Tonkin said.

“They get a lot of people involved, and it's a great thing. But to be honest with you, when the horse found the front, they started cheering and I was like, ‘Oh, hope they don't get too excited too early.’

“We actually joined our slot with Danny and Jo Zavitsanos, and, you know, to have everyone involved, it was sort of—to be honest with you—a really special thing. Because to have all those people there with their families, you know, that's what we aim to do.”       

Despite the early trouble, Tonkin was quick to comment that all his stable runners pulled up fit and well, with Loucasso set for a well-deserved break. 
 
"I haven't spoken to the ownership group yet, but he (Loucasso) will be in for a nice break," Tonkin said.

"Cardigan Dan copped a bit of a check at the start but has pulled up super and Dynamite Dan  was actually going really well in the home turn until one of the horses came back into his face and he had a bit of a gallop. 
 
"Luckily enough, they've got no marks on their legs and they all seem unscathed, which is great.