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.
We’ve found a trio of 3-year-olds from the stables of Mick Price, Ciaron Maher and Peter Eustace and Darren Weir with strong prospects at Wangaratta. And at Cessnock, Allan Denham will have a fresh runner who has the background to strongly suggest she can star first-up.
Wangaratta Judds Menswear Maiden Plate $23,000 2000m 1.30pm
Holburt (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) has fewer convictions than most in this line-up and with some early luck from a wide gate he could pose a serious threat. He improved off an unplaced debut to finish fifth over a mile and the step up in trip won’t bother him.
He was bought for NZ$170,000 by Lyndhurst Farm at Karaka and on-sold to trainer Mick Price at the Ready to Run Sale for $280,000. A half-brother to two stakes performers, Holburt is out of Sentura (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}) and her three-quarter brother Clifton King won twice at Group One level in South Africa.
Holburt as a yearling
Oaks Wangaratta Maiden Plate $23,000 1400m 2.00pm
Magnum Opus (Lucas Cranach {GER}) gave a bold account of himself when runner-up on debut and he can go one better here at the second time of asking. Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, he will be ridden by claiming apprentice Liam Riordan.
The colt has an international background and featuring on his pedigree page is the G1 Apple Blossom H., winner Nine Keys (USA) (Forty Niner {USA}) and G1 Saratoga Hopeful S., winner Mind Control (USA) (Stay Thirsty {USA}) while Blood Money (ARG) (Not For Sale {ARG}) was a Group 2 winner in her native land.
Wangaratta Rob Stribley Transport 3YO Fillies’ Maiden $23,000 1170m 2.30pm
Limeshow (Al Maher) has been taken along quietly and was given another break after finishing a respectable sixth first time out in May. She returns here for trainer Darren Weir with Harry Coffey to take the reins.
The 3-year-old is a half-brother to the G3 Blue Diamond Preview winner Limestone (Helmet), who also finished fourth in the G1 Coolmore Stud S,. Their mother is Limerock (Charge Forward) and is from a family that is responsible for a host of North American and European black type performers.
Cessnock Coca-Cola H., $22,000 900m 1.00pm
The Allan Denham-trained Lilith (Hinchinbrook) doesn’t face an easy track when resuming against the older horses. However, she’s drawn handily in this dash and has the benefit of Robert Thompson in the saddle.
Lilith is a daughter of Loveday (Danzero) and she is a half-sister to the G1 Blue Diamond S., winner True Jewels (Brief Truce {USA}) and the dual Group 2 winner Wager (Flying Spur). It’s a family obviously blessed with plenty of speed.
