Promising youngster's perfect draw

A PERFECT draw has promising youngster Alot Like Louie in a strong position to continue his climb to the top this season.

Winless from 13 starts in 2023, Alot Like Louie has been a revelation this campaign, with four victories and a second from five outings.

Runner-up in an Australian Pacing Gold Bullion heat in Bendigo last week, the son of Sweet Lou will seek redemption in Saturday night's Final in Melton.

Thrilled with the improvement Alot Like Louie has shown, trainer Laura Wilson is quietly confident the three-year-old can capture the $150,000 feature.

To be driven by Wilson, Alot Like Louie will begin from the pole, which has resulted in TAB Fixed Odds keeping the colt safe in betting at $7.50.

"I couldn't be happier with him this time in," Wilson said. "He hasn't set a foot out of place and has continued to improve with each run.

"This is the best draw he has had since his third start, so we're hoping to make the most of it.

"As long as he can come out well enough to be close to the speed, I expect him to finish off well."

Citing Soho Spectre as the one to beat, Wilson is also wary of Dee Roe, which beat Alot Like Louie in the qualifier.

Soho Spectre, which won a heat at Club Menangle, heads markets at $1.55 from barrier five, while Dee Roe is among the outsiders at $21.

"Soho Spectre has proven himself as one of the best of his crop and is clearly the one to beat," Wilson said. "Dee Roe is going very well for Aaron (Dunn) and I expect him to be right in it.

"If the speed is on, which I think it may well be, Louie will enjoy the tempo and that should bring his closing speed into it.

"He's going to need luck, but we've got the draw to hopefully help along the way."