3 minute read

Liam Loughlin is daring to dream big and is toying with a WA Guineas (1600m) plan if Elite Fighter continues to blossom for Perth trainer, Holly Taylor.

O'Loughlin believes Elite Fighter underlined his credentials and lived up to high expectations when he charged home to score an impressive Pinjarra maiden win.

Staring at double figure odds, Elite Fighter settled midfield for the majority of the 1300m race and unleashed a brilliant burst of speed in the home straight.

Posting his first victory at his fifth start with Pat Carbery in the saddle, Elite Fighter easily accounted for hot favourite Hot Fury and scored by a dominant 2 ¼ lengths.

"I was just happy the horse could win and Pat (Carbery) said when he puts it all together, he can be a real smart horse," O'Loughlin told The Races WA.

"The plan is to give him one more and he can come back as a Guineas proposition.

"I'm over the moon and I reckon he can go all the way and be a top line horse.

"He won on a soft 7 the other day, but I think he will be even better on top of the ground.

"He's got the ability there and is slowing putting it together."

O'Loughlin, a part-time trainer and owner in Albany, said he could identify early on that Elite Fighter had above average ability.

With that he mind and in the interests of the horse he transferred the three-year-old to Holly Taylor's stables in Forrestdale.

"I had him after he was broken in and felt the vibe through the lead rope.

"I didn't have any other horses around to help him learn.

"Holly (Taylor) had worked for Grant Williams and went to Melbourne and everything.

"She also had and did a great job with Cousin Ivan.

"She is young and hungry so I thought I would give her a crack with him.

"She's got the paddocks as well as I don't think he would like to be boxed up.

"It was easier for him to be up there than me going up and down the highway to Perth.

"Touch wood if nothing goes bad, I think he can go all the way."

Taylor prepared Cousin Ivan to win the Listed Aquanita Stakes (2000m) last year, her first city winner since she saddled her first runner three years ago.

She also played a key role in assisting the Grant and Alana Williams stable when Regal Power and Superstorm campaigned in Melbourne.

O'Loughlin said it was undecided if Elite Fighter would go to a Saturday race next or stick to mid-week company.