Go Racing farewelled a Group One star in Atishu in recent weeks, but they are already back on the path to major targets with Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) hopeful Maison Louis.

In the care of Sydney trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton, Maison Louis broke maiden status at Goulburn in just his second appearance and added a further two victories in his next three starts, including in Benchmark 64 contest at Canterbury on Monday.

Stepping up to 1900m, the son of Super Seth sat one off the rail in the running before jockey Andrew Adkins directed him wider turning for home, where he showed a tidy turn of foot to hunt down the leader and win by three quarters of a length.

Adkins has partnered Maison Louis throughout his short career and has a good opinion of the gelding.

“He’s kept doing the right things,” he said. “He came through his last win really well and he had a beautiful run in transit today and he’s showed what he can do lately.

“I just love the way he puts them away and goes past them and leaves them, he doesn’t wait around, he doesn’t grind to the line, he sprints, and he knows where he is in the races which is the sign of a smart horse.”

O’Shea praised the three-year-old’s attitude on the track, which should set him in good stead for a tilt at the upcoming Queensland features.

“He was really good picking up another win,” O’Shea said. “He’s developing into a lovely middle-distance horse, and he’s got a great appetite for racing.

“Being that they’re only three once, we’re going to give him the opportunity to run in a stakes race. We’ll take him to Queensland to run in the Rough Habit Plate (Gr.3, 2000m) on May 17 which is a lead up to the Queensland Derby.”

Bred by Pencarrow Stud, Maison Louis was purchased by Go Racing for $250,000 out of their Book 1 draft at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales in 2023.

Out of a stakes-winning Makfi mare Cote D’Or, Maison Louis adds further success to Pencarrow’s phenomenal Ethereal family, which also includes the likes of Darci Brahma, Grant Echezeaux and Dolmabache, all performers at the highest level.

In the early futures market for the Queensland Derby, Maison Louis sits a $15 chance, with fellow Kiwi-breds King Of Thunder ($7), Beau Dazzler ($11), Golden Century ($15) and Croupier ($17) also figuring prominently.