Skylou (NZ) Shows Class in Brilliant Group Three Return

Skylou (NZ) (Sweet Lou) announced his return to racing in the best possible style with his dominant victory in the Group Three A$50,000 Easter Cup (2503m) at Gloucester Park on Friday night.

The NZB Standardbred graduate impressed when winning his first start since taking out the A$200,000 Group One Western Australian Derby (2536m) for trainer Gary Hall Snr and driver Gary Hall Jnr.

Skylou was secured for $25,000 by Peter and Roslyn Brown when he was offered on account of the McGowan Partnership at the 2021 National Yearling Sale at Karaka.

A brilliant beginning set up Skylou’s most impressive return to the track.

The four-year-old shot straight to the lead for Hall Jnr which immediately set his rivals a huge task.

It was one that proved impossible for them, as Skylou cleared out to score a dominant Group Three victory.

“It all worked out well,” Gary Hall jnr told RWWA.

“He jumped away well and once he led, I wasn’t concerned at all.”
“He led, he settled, and that was it.”

With his returning run under his belt, the Hall camp now have the biggest possible targets in Skylou’s sights.

“I think that he is good enough to go all the way,” Hall jnr said.

“He has improved so much from his Derby win I expect him to be a WA Pacing Cup candidate next summer.”

Skylou headed a quinella of NZB Standardbred graduates in his Easter Cup victory.

The Black Flash (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) fought on gallantly to run second in the event, also for trainer Gary Hall Snr.

NZB Standardbred graduates filled four of the first five placings in the Easter Cup with Arden’s Horizon (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) fourth and Franco Mecca (NZ) (Rock N Roll Heaven) fifth.

The Hall team produced another classy NZB Standardbred graduate to win at Gloucester Park on Friday night in Mister Smartee (NZ) (Always B Miki).

The four-year-old was also having his first start since contesting the Group One Western Australian Derby.