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 have sorted out a pair of likely maiden winners at Bendigo and in New Zealand a couple of fillies to follow at Te Awamutu.
Bendigo No Fuss Event Hire Maiden $26,000 1100m 12.00pm
A bold second when resuming at Pakenham, The Running Man (Zoustar) looks a strong chance to go one better here. That was only his second appearance following a decent debut effort for eighth behind the boom colt Written By (Written Tycoon) in last season’s G3 Breeders’ Prelude.
The Running Man was a $130,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase and is a grandson of the Listed Tommy Smith Slipper winner Shovoff (Danehill {USA}), who is a sister to the G1 Golden Slipper S., runner-up Shovhog. It is also the family of Frolic (Husson {ARG}), also a Golden Slipper placegetter.
The Running Man as a yearling
Bendigo RSL Museum Maiden $26,000 1400m 12.30pm
Team Hawkes have been patient with Smurf Cody (Animal Kingdom {USA}), who has earned a cheque in both outings, the last resulting in a runner-up finish at Pakenham during the winter.
The 4-year-old is a son of the G1 Queensland Oaks winner and G1 Queensland Derby placegetter Vitesse Dane (Danewin). She is a sister to the multiple winner and black type performer Hudson County. Smurf Cody was secured for $120,000 at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
Smurf Cody as a yearling
Te Awamutu Waipa Home of Champions $10,000 1150m 12.30pm
Soleil Dore (NZ) (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) was put aside after her debut third on a heavy Pukekohe Park track behind the capable Botti (NZ) (Jakkalberry {IRE}). She has a handy gate, a major plus around the turning Te Awamutu circuit.
The filly is a daughter of the talented Gretchen (NZ) (Bahhare {USA}), who won three times and was runner-up in the G1 Australasian Oaks. She is the dam of five winners, including the Group performer Soleil Rouge (NZ) (Savabeel) and is a half-sister to the G2 Japan-New Zealand Trophy winner Silky Red Boxer (NZ) (Casual Lies {USA}). It is also the family of the G1 Queen Elizabeth S., and G1 Turnbull S., and G1 Vinery Stud S., winner Lucia Valentina(NZ) (Savabeel).
Te Awamutu Pic Insurance Maiden $10,000 1400m 2.15pm
Spirit Of Galway (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {IRE}) was purchased for NZ$100,000 at the Ready to Run Sale Karaka and is the first foal of dual winner Galway (NZ) (Savabeel). She is a sister to the G1 Canatala S., winner Shillelagh and the G2 Brisbane Cup winner Tullamore.
Trained by Jamie Richards, the 3-year-old has been out twice this season and finished strongly on each occasion for minor placings. She will be handled by stable jockey Shafiq Rusof and the step up to 1400 metres looks ideal.
Spirit Of Galway as a yearling
