Drawn to 'paint' a masterpiece in Final

CONNECTIONS of uniquely-named youngster Loucasso hope he can 'paint' a masterpiece this weekend.

From former handy mare Our Little Artist, Loucasso shares the same moniker as a raccoon named Louie.

Showing an aptitude for painting, Louie is known professionally as Loucasso - a mix of his name and world renowned artist Picasso - with his work available for purchase via his website!

As for Loucasso the equine, his 'canvass' is Saturday night's Australian Pacing Gold Final in Melton.

Boasting three wins from four starts, the Emma Stewart-trained colt registered an effortless 23-metre victory in his heat last week.

"He is bred to be a nice type and so far he is living up to his bloodline," Stewart said. "There is plenty to like about him and we've got a pretty reasonable opinion of him.

"If he keeps progressing the way he is, he will go a long way.

"His heat win was impressive. After racing in the breeze he still ran away from them quite easily and had some left in the tank."

To be driven by Mark Pitt, Loucasso has drawn to search for the lead from barrier three, with TAB Fixed Odds listing the two-year-old as a $1.09 favourite.

Sols Me Name is considered the main danger at $8.50 from gate seven.

Winner upon debut, Sols Me Name raced greenly when leading in his heat before finishing towards the tail of the field.

"We're happy with his draw," Stewart said. "He'll certainly be going forward from there."