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, we look at a filly at Te Awamatu looking to atone for some bad luck, a $1 million colt resuming at Bairnsdale as well as his stablemate looking to break his maiden,
Te Awamutu Race 4, Waipa Workingmen’s Club, $10,000, 1400m 3.11pm NZDT (1:11pm AEDT)
The Sir Peter Vela-bred and raced Naval Fleet (NZ) (Declaration Of War {USA}) had little luck on debut at Matamata where she was tightened for room before closing for second. She has a handy gate here and looks more than capable of going one better.
The 3-year-old is out of the two-time winner Navy Beach (NZ) (Darci Brahma (NZ), who is a half-sister to the G2 Matamata Breeders’ S., winner Te Akau Coup (NZ) (Thorn Park) and the Listed Wellesley S., winner Don Garcia (Danehill {USA}). It is also the family of the G3 Vanity S., winner Alzora (Redoute’s Choice).
Bairnsdale Race 1, Fenning Timber Mdn, $23,000, 1000m, 1:15pm AEDT
Million-dollar colt Oceanity (Snitzel) steps out for the first-time campaign having had just one run as a 2-year-old when narrowly beaten at Sandown back in July.
He went for a cool $1 million to Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock at the 2017 Easter Sales and little wonder as he is a three-quarter brother to the very smart and then ill-fated Beneteau, who only had two seasons at stud. The dam Slice of Paradise is a sister to the champion mare Alinghi, so there is plenty of quality of the pedigree page.
Bairnsdale Race 2, Bet365 Bairnsdale Bet365, $23,000, 1200m, 1:50pm AEDT
Raced in the same interests as Oceanity, Igniter (Snitzel) creates plenty of interests in the second race. He was close-up when fourth on debut at Sale and then battled when stepped up in class and distance at his second race in July. Given a few months off, he should be much improved.
Igniter cost ATB $580,000 at the 2017 Easter Sale. He is the fifth foal from Royal Glow, who has also produced stakes-winners Kinglike and Mirage (HK). It is the also the family of Red Colossus and Nediym's Glow.
