Looking Ahead - Wednesday August 29

3 min read

Looking Ahead puts the spotlight on runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are a particularly well-bred or high-priced runner having their first or second start, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.

On Wednesday, the performances of a pair of well-credentialled colts from the Team Hawkes operation will be of major interest, as will a Chris Waller-trained filly who brings an international flavour to the Canterbury Park meeting and a watch horse at Ipswich.

Ladbrokes Park Hillside Vale Martin Riley Plate $30,000 1300m 12.30pm

All eyes will be on Prince Of Caviar (Sebring) as he takes his second chance at breaking his maiden. The Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes-trained son of the unbeaten champion Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) finished a respectable enough fourth in his May debut. A patient approach has been adopted with the colt and he looks a sound chance to open his winning account this time with Luke Nolen booked for the ride. Prince Of Caviar’s third dam is the G2 QTC Cup winner and Group 1 placegetter Scandinavia (Snippets), who in turn left the G1 Galaxy Handicap winner and sire Magnus (Flying Spur). Black Caviar’s first foal Oscietra (Exceed And Excel) has won two races.

Prince of Caviar, pictured as a foal

Canterbury Park Everest Carnival Handicap $40,000 1100m 1.25pm

Keen interest will be taken in the first-up performance of the well-related Vendrome (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}). A brother to the G1 Newmarket H., winner Shamexpress, who was recently crowned New Zealand’s champion first season sire, the colt was bred and sold by Richard Rutherford under his Belltana banner for $825,000 at Karaka last year. Vendrome finished seventh on debut in last season’s G3 Kindergarten S., and was then put aside and he has placed in both of his Rosehill trials ahead of his resuming run.

Vendrome, pictured as a yearling

Canterbury Park Australian Turf Club Handicap $40,000 1200m 4.55pm

The closing event on the card marks the re-appearance of Ms Rodarte (I Am Invincible), who was a winner at her only outing on the course last season.

She was a $300,000 Inglis Sydney Easter Yearling Sale purchase for prominent Japanese identity Katsumi Yoshida and is the fourth winner for the Group 3 winner Lucky Diva (Perugino {USA}). She who won 11 races up to 1200 metres and the second dam Lucky Witch (Voodoo Rhythm {USA}) was also a stakes winner. Ms Rodarte is trained by Chris Waller and will be ridden by Hugh Bowman.

Ms Rodarte, pictured as a yearling

Ipswich Sirromet QTIS 3YO Maiden $20,000 1100m 2.53 pm

Grey filly The Palms (The Factor {USA}) hails from a strong black type family of European origins, but one that has also excelled in Australia.

The 3-year-old is a daughter of Suantrai (IRE) (Sinndar {IRE}), who is a half-sister to the New Zealand Group 3 winner and G2 Guy Walter Stakes placegetter Francaletta (NZ) (High Chaparral {IRE}). The G1 Galaxy H., winner Snowland (Red Ransom {(USA}) also features as does stakes winner and producer Snippetson (Snippets). A $52,500 Magic Millions Hold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, The Palms placed in her only outing last term for Toby Edmonds and will again be ridden by Jeff Lloyd.