Jolimont (NZ) Commanding in Group Three Founders Cup Victory

Jolimont (NZ) (Sweet Lou) lived up to his outstanding form with his powerful front-running win in the $37,000 Group Three Lincoln Farms Founders Cup (1700m) at Alexandra Park on Friday night.

The five-year-old reeled off electric closing sectionals giving his rivals no chance of catching him, as he scored for trainer Arna Donnelly and driver Tony Herlihy.

Jolimont produced brilliant results when campaigning through the spring and early summer, including setting a new Alexandra Park allcomers track record for 1700m.

Though the pacer had been freshened since his creditable last start fifth in the Group One Auckland Cup (3200m), he was primed and ready for another outstanding 1700m display.

Donnelly is now hopeful Jolimont is ready to further establish himself in open class.

“They get there quick and then they’ve got to learn to race the big boys,” the trainer said.

“Last year he probably plateaued a little bit by the end of it, but hopefully this year is his year.”

Herlihy worked Jolimont an early lead on Friday night and as his rivals approached, he cruised to a comfortable victory.

“When Jeremiah (NZ) (Lazarus) came out we made a change to our plans,” Donnelly said.

“He loves being in front and he loves the distance.”

Jolimont was secured by his trainer for $31,000 when he was offered among the Woodlands Stud draft at the 2021 National Yearling Sale at Karaka.

The pacer took his career earnings to $232,231 with his victory on Friday night.

Vendor	Woodlands Stud
Purchaser	Arna Donnelly Harness Racing Stables Ltd
Breeding	Sweet Lou - Running On Faith Bay Colt
Sale	2021 National Standardbred Yearling Sale $31,000
Breeder	Woodlands Stud