Constant problems with his joints, particularly in his hind legs, have seriously threatened the career of New Zealand-bred five-year-old Fat Louie, who rewarded ace trainer-reinsman Chris Voak for his patience and care with a stirring victory in the $30,000 Trotsynd Warwick Pace over 2130m at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
“It has been a big job just to get him back to the races,” said Voak, who gave the Sweet Lou gelding a favourable trip in the one-out, one-back position after being in a spot of bother early.
Fat Louie, the $5 second fancy, began speedily from the No. 5 barrier, but was trapped three wide before getting to the breeze, with the $1.80 favourite It is Crunch Time setting the pace after a slow lead time of 37.8sec.
“I was a bit concerned that he got out too quickly,” said Voak. “My idea was to try to get cover on the back of Oh Miki. I got left in the breeze, but I didn’t mind as I thought I could control the race from there.
“I then got cover and was happy to follow Aiden De Campo, with Bettor Arcade in the breeze.”
Bettor Arcade, a $15 chance from the outside of the back line, took a narrow lead on the home turn and was beaten by a head by Fat Louie, who sprinted home solidly to get up in the final stride.
“I thought that Bettor Arcade had beaten Fat Louie, but luckily Fat Louie has a big, ugly head,” said Voak. Fat Louie’s leg problems have restricted him to 16 starts which have resulted in six wins, five placings and $62,323.
Voak has prepared Fat Louie for his past ten starts for three wins and three thirds. “He is one of owner Eddie Burchill’s favourite horses, and he is rapt at the way the horse is performing,” said Voak.
