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 Sunday, there are a couple of very interesting runners at Geelong, including a horse who was a sure thing beaten at Listed level last time out, while the start of the Hong Kong season is marked by an interesting Australian-bred debutant at Sha Tin.
Geelong Race 1 - Bet365 3YO Mdn - $26,000 - 1400m- 12:00 AEST
In a race where there are a few well-bred types, the debut of Dubai Tycoon (Written Tycoon {Aus}) takes the eye. A $325,000 purchase at the Karaka Yearling sales, this colt's dam was out of the New Zealand Oaks winner Bramble Rose, who produced black-type winners Maule's Creek, Tangled and Sebrose.
Dubai Tycoon was a $325,000 NZB Karaka purchase
It is certainly a family with plenty of staying talent, and the fact that this colt kicks off over 1400m tells you he will likely relish a bit of ground as well. He did show a bit of gate speed at both his recent jumpout at Caufield and his recent trial at Cranbourne, so you can expect himself to push forward and give a good account of himself.
Geelong Race 10 - IGA Liquor BM70 Hcp - $30,000 - 1112m - 17:00 AEST
There have been plenty awaiting the re-emergence of Tamasa (So You Think {NZ}) since his desperately unlucky run in the Listed Hilton S. during last year's Flemington carnival. Trainer Darren Weir has found a very winnable BM70 to kick things off and the expectations are that much better races await him this campaign.
Tamasa was purchased at the Classic yearling sale for $160,000
Tamasa was purchased for $160,000 at the Classic Yearling Sale is out of Canberra Cup-winning mare Fill The Page, making him a half brother to Fun Fact (The Factor {USA}), who won a race impressively at Sandown last week and looks a likely Victoria Derby prospect.
Sha Tin Race 1 - Harcourt Hcp - 1000m - 15:00 AEST
Australian-bred Happy Tour (Snitzel {Aus}) makes his debut in the opening race of the season in Hong Kong on Sunday. Bought for $475,000 at the 2016 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, he is out of Good Weekend (Hussonet {USA}) who is a full sister to Australian Horse of the year Weekend Hussler. Arrowfield sold the full-sister to Happy Tour for $240,000 at this year's MM Gold Coast sale.
Happy Tour had a trial over 1000m last week and after jumping in front, settled just off the pace and finished off well in fourth. He looks a very promising galloper who can work through his classes this season.
