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 Stawell, we have a look at an import on debut and an impressive first-up winner while in New Zealand we take a closer look at a filly with a rich pedigree down to make her second career appearance at the Te Rapa meeting.
Stawell Waack’s Bakery Maiden $23,000 1300m 2.00pm
Bellum (GB) (Battle Of Marengo {IRE) is an interesting runner here for leading trainer Darren Weir. The imported 3-year-old hasn’t trialled so connections must have been happy with his progress at home.
He was a 65,000 pound purchase by Orbis Bloodstock at last year’s Goff UK Doncaster Premier Yearling Sale and is a half-brother to two winners. Their dam is Quail Landing (GB) (Mark Of Esteem {GB}), a half-sister to the G3 Newmarket Darley S., winner Enforcer (GB) (Efisio {GB}), and a daughter of the dual Group 3 North American winner Willowy Mood (USA) (Will Win {USA}).
Stawell See the Cup at the Gift Hotel $20,000 1600m 4.30pm
Loricain (Americain {USA}) looks to have a bright future for part-owner and trainer Symon Wilde. Handled patiently, the 4-year-old made her debut at Hamilton and scored an upset win over 1400 metres so with her pedigree the step up in trip looks ideal.
A $50,000 buy at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale, she is out of Lorna’s Lass (Bianconi {USA}), who won two minor events and she is a daughter of the eight-time winner Dr Lorna (Snadee {USA}). Family members also include the G2 Edward Manifold S., winner French Gypsy (Centaine) and the G3 Canterbury Gold Cup winner Queen O’The Desert (NZ) (Hadaad {USA}).
Loricain as a yearling
Te Rapa Distinction Hamilton 1400m $10,000 1400m 2.50pm
High-priced yearling Queen Of Diamonds (NZ) (Savabeel) comes from a superb Cambridge Stud family and set the China Horse Club back NZ$640,000 when they secure her at Karaka. She has made a bright start to her career with her lone appearance rewarded with a runner-up finish at Waverley.
She is a daughter of Love Diamonds (Danehill {USA}), who is a sister to the G1 Spring Champion S., winner and sire Viking Ruler. It is a family laden with Group 1 winners all tracing back to that wonderful Blue Hen mare Eight Carat (GB) (Pieces Of Eight {IRE}).
