Harness
Queensland Constellations Preview: Protostar – Saturday, 12th July 2025
With no clear standout in the juvenile ranks so far, draws could play a crucial role in determining the winner of the 2025 Ladbrokes Protostar at Albion Park on Saturday night.
The $500,000 Group 1 slot race for two-year-old pacers has brought together an even and competitive field headed by three runners for Victorian trainer Emma Stewart.
Her charge Cardigan Dan has come up with the coveted inside barrier while her other two hopefuls were less fortunate, Loucasso starting from the outside of the front row and Dynamitedan drawing on the second line.
The draw has seen Cardigan Dan installed as early favourite after he pushed to the front from a few spots wider and dug deep to win his qualifier at Ballarat last month.
The son of Downbytheseaside has had a month off since but was kept up to the mark with a trial.
With just three starts under the belt he has upside and should get every chance.
Loucasso still looks a player despite the wide barrier as the colt has won from out there before and has shown plenty of ability in winning four of six starts so far.
He worked when just a head behind Cardigan Dan last start and has a touch of brilliance with an impressive turn of foot so a high-pressure affair could be right up his alley.
Local trainer Grant Dixon has a strong two-pronged attack headed by the promising Fire And Passion.
The Always B Miki colt drew barrier two and took advantage of a similar draw to lead for a dominant win in last week's Paleface Adios Classic.
He tackles some tougher rivals but that victory that was his fifth in just six attempts at the circuit and distance and he has the pace to be prominent early again from the draw.
His stablemate Fight For Victory is still learning but is a talent and looks dangerous from a draw that sees him in a stalking position early.
He hasn't raced since his Breeders Classic win from the same row six weeks ago but was an easy trial winner last week and his potential looks untapped.
Soho Park Avenue is another drawn on the second line but looks an improver as he hit the line well for a resuming second last week and should have come on while Ark Sea is one the big queries of the race as he takes a jump in grade but has been impressive in winning both starts, spanking his rivals by 40m last start at Bathurst.
Check out our FREE Interactive Speed Maps for meetings in nine countries each and every day.