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By Julieanne Horsman

When The Houso burst onto the scene late last year, he shocked everyone with his class. The little chestnut who could pulled off three wins from three starts and gained himself a cult following in the process.

“I’ve never had a horse with its own facebook page before,” Kembla Grange-based trained Kerry Parker said with a laugh. “There’s always people taking his photo and cheering for him and of course he has a big group of proud owners.”

The Houso flashes a smile after his debut win at Moruya. Credit: Bradley Photos.

After eight months off the now six-year-old is set to resume in the Swiftwood Tiles & Bathrooms BM 66 Handicap over 1000m at Goulburn on Friday. Parker has taken his time with the injury-prone gelding and expects him to run like he’s fleeing a crime scene.

“He’s only tiny but has such a big heart,” Parker said. “He’s a genuine racehorse and did well off a two-year break last preparation.”

Apprentice jockey Robbie Dolan will provide 2kg of weight relief and The Houso has drawn ideally in barrier 5.

“If he can get a soft run behind the pace and have his chance at them in the straight I know he will try his hardest,” Parker said. “Danny Williams’ horses are the big concern though. They’re always hard to beat, especially on their home track.”

The Houso hasn’t had an easy life. He was bought off an internet auction site by Campbelltown Police Officer Rod Sheraton for just $1500. When he arrived in Sydney he was skinny, shaggy and had crooked feet leaving Rod wondering if the horse would even make the track. But with a little love and care and time to overcome a tendon injury, The Houso excelled and is so far unbeaten.

“When you win three in a row there is a lot of pressure to keep the winning streak going,” Parker said.

“We’ve got him as forward as we can. Now it’s up to him show us he is up to this grade.”

View the fields and form (including race replays) for Friday's Goulburn meeting here.