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.
Today at Canterbury, we look at son of Nicconi (Bianconi {USA}) who is ready to post his first winning strike and a well-bred filly with the right credentials to go close on debut. While at Bendigo, there’s an interesting former New Zealander making his first appearance for Darren Weir.
Canterbury #Theraces Handicap $50,000 1250m 12.50pm
Nicco Lad (Nicconi) was a bold second when produced for the first time this season and Peter and Paul Snowden should have him primed to go one better in this. Placed in both his runs as a 2-year-old, he is a son of Briars Lass (Canny Lad) who was unraced and has produced the Listed Albury Gold Cup winner Dream Ballad (Singspiel {IRE}).
The second dam Jestress (Crown Jester) was a juvenile winner and the family further includes the Listed Nivision winner Balmont (Commands) and the Listed Vain S., winner Syncopated (Clear Choice {USA}) so there’s no shortage of speed in this pedigree.
Canterbury tab.com.au Handicap $50,000 1250m 1.25pm
Lady Legend (Redoute’s Choice) has had the benefit of three trials of her debut here for trainer Les Bridge and rider Glyn Schofield. She has a strong pedigree to back her as a daughter of Redoute’s Choice (Danehill {USA) and Morrego (More Than Ready {USA}) whose two foals to race have won, including the Group placegetter Klammer (Snitzel).
A $470,000 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale purchase for Tyreel Stud, Morrego is from the family of the multiple Group 1 winner Eremein (Timber Country {USA}). Lady Legend was bought for $300,000 at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and looks a filly worth following.
Lady Legend was a $300,000 yearling
Bendigo The Big Screen Company Handicap $25,000 1400m 3.20pm
Ruomaza (Azamour {IRE}) is likely to need more ground to show his best, but in a fresh state the recent Darren Weir-trained recruit is worth watching. He was a NZ$20,000 Ready to Run Sale purchase at Karaka for Kevin Myers, who produced him for a smart debut victory at Wanganui.
Ruomaza is out of the G3 Manawatu Challenge S., winner Country Rose (NZ) (Centaine), who is a half-sister to the dual Group 2 winner Ugachaka (Danasinga). It is also the family of the former Singapore Horse of the Year Bocelli (Lord Ballina).
Ruomaza pictured as a 2yo
