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 Monday we have a look at a couple of debutants at Echuca with some strong pedigrees before checking out a 2YO at Toowoomba who has trialled impressively.
Echuca Race 1, Hygain Mdn Hcp, $23,000, 1200m, 1:30pm AEDT
Star Syrah (Zoustar) makes her debut here, having shown a bit at a recent trial when she jumped well and battled on well for fourth. That experience should see her ready to put her best foot forward here.
She was a $190,000 Easter Sales buy last year for Mark Pilkington out of the mare Syrah (NZ), who is a half sister to Bolton and Vouvray. She has produced a Group 1 winner in A Touch of Ruby (NZ) (Pins). The grand-dam Real Success (NZ) was also a multiple Group winner.
Star Syrah as a yearling
Echuca Race 2, Two Tarts 3yo Mdn, $23,000, 1100m, 2:00pm AEDT
Lindsay Park filly Shark in the Water (Snitzel) is set to have her first start, and on pedigree alone she is definitely worth a follow. She looked pretty professional at her recent trial at Wodonga jumping well and taking a sit before finishing second untouched by Cory Parish, who rides her here.
She is out of Fictional Account (Ire), the multiple Listed winning Stravinsky (USA) mare who came out to Australia to target a Melbourne Cup in 2012. It is a strong black type staying family featuring the likes of Designs on Rome, Rock of Romance, Simple Exchange and Sights on Gold.
Shark In The Water as a yearling
Toowoomba Race 9, Audi Centre Toowoomba QTIS 2yo Hcp, $70,000, 1050m, 5:25pm AEDT
Niedorp (Not A Single Doubt) was set to make her debut at Doomben on Saturday but that meeting was abandoned, so she finds herself here. Having won a recent trial by five lengths at Doomben, she looks a very speedy type and the early market indicates that she is expected to be winning.
Tony Gollan paid $270,000 for her at this year's Magic Millions. She is out of Lonhro mare Black Tulip, who is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Hanks, a family that also includes successful stallion Dehere (USA).
Niedorp as a yearling
