Champions successfully defend titles

REIGNING champions Double Lou and Gunna Reload have successfully defended their titles at Club Menangle.

Triumphant during last season’s New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge Finals for three-year-olds, the duo proved too good in the four-year-old editions tonight.

Trained and driven by Bailey McDonough, Double Lou led throughout from the pole to secure the entires’ and geldings’ division in a quick 1:48 over a mile.

Never seriously threatened, the son of Sweet Lou scored by six metres from Forever Onthe Punt, with Heeza Malteeza five-and-a-half metres away third.

Thrilled with Double Lou’s performance, McDonough immediately turned his attention to The Eureka, which is scheduled to be conducted at Club Menangle on November 21.

Double Lou will contest the $1.5million Slot Race via Tony Licastro’s slot.

With Will Rixon driving for his trainer-father Peter, Gunna Reload also set the pace on her way to an authoritative 11-and-a-half metre victory from Blisses Best.

Ultimate Diva was a half-head away third as the winner stopped the clock in 1:51.5.

Rixon stated connections are keen to discuss slot options for Gunna Reload, which boasts 16 wins and eight placings from 30 starts for earnings of $424,370.