Looking Ahead - October 16

2 min read

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, we take a look at first-starter for Brad Widdup and an early winner for Gary Portelli at Newcastle while at Kyneton a debutante for Tony McEvoy looks a bright prospect.

Newcastle Coastline Pools & Spas Maiden $35,000 900m 1.50pm

A brother to the winner Napoli, Paris Lights (Snitzel) was a $340,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase for Jadeskye Racing and is out of the Bel Esprit mare City Of Song. She won five times, including the Listed Blue Sapphire S. It is the family of the G2 Winterbottom S., winner Hadabeclorka (Hurricane Sky) and the G2 Brisbane Cup winner Shocking (NZ) (Shocking).

Paris Lights has trialled ahead of this and with Christian Reith on board for trainer Brad Widdup a strong first-up showing is anticipated.

Paris Lights pictured as a yearling

Newcastle Suez H $35,000 1300m 2.25pm

Quick Finance (Denman) was a smart debut winner for Gary Portelli before he finished fourth under 60.5kg and he looks nicely-placed here with 57kg.

He was a $120,000 buy at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and is out of the stakes placed Danehill (USA) mare Heart Strings. She is a half-sister to the black type winner and Group 1 performer Raheeb (Royal Academy {USA}) and his G3 Blue Diamond Prelude-winning sister Piccadilly Circus, the dam of champion sire Fastnet Rock (Danehill {USA}).

Quick Finance pictured as a yearling

Kyneton bet365 Fillies’ Maiden $23,000 1100m 1.30pm

Jentico (Written Tycoon) was a smart trial winner for Tony McEvoy earlier this month and she looks to have a gilt-edged opportunity to debut in the best possible fashion.

She is the third foal of Swift Sands (Dubai Destination {USA}), who won five races and both of her foals to race have also been successful. The dam is from the family of the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas and G3 Wellington S., winner Magic Cape (Magic Albert) and the Singapore stakes winner Izamaman (NZ) (Prince Of Praise {NZ})

Jentico pictured as a yearling