The versatile chaser from Ben MacLean’s kennels has proved a threat over a variety of tracks and distances ranging from the 297m at Cannington and the 509m at Northam.
While his success in the Northam Anniversary Cup last month remains a career highlight, Friday’s win – his first at Free To All level – was just as impressive.
Hello I’m Leo began well from box eight but was shaded early by Midnight Jake, who launched sweetly from the pole.
The pair duelled down the back stretch and little separated them as they hit the corner, where Horlicks loomed up on the inside to capture the lead.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWAs they straightened for the finish, Hello I’m Leo edged in front of Midnight Jake but Horlicks proved harder to dislodge.
Hello I’m Leo had to dig deep before lunging ahead in the final few strides to score by a neck.
The result gave McLean a race-to-race double following the victory of Quedos in the previous event, the Essential Refrigeration Services Grade 4 (405m). Quedos led all the way to win by more than three lengths in 22.89.