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 like the chances of a pair of lightly-tried maidens at the Ballarat meeting and focus on a mare who will make her seasonal debut at Ballina.
Ballarat Craig’s Royal Hotel Maiden $26,000 1400m 1.30pm
Countess De Galvez (All Too Hard) came off a quiet trial to finish a solid second at Stawell on debut for Darren Weir. She was ridden by Dean Yendall who sticks with the ship and they look a decent chance to go one better here.
The filly was a $50,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase and her grand-dam is the G1 Robertson Fillies’ Championship winner Trust Antonia (SAF) (National Assembly {SAF}). She is a half-sister to the G1 Gold Challenge S., winner Gold Flier (SAF) (Golden Thatch {USA}) and the G1 Futurity S., winner Succesful Bidder (SAF) (Jallad {SAF}).
Countess De Galvez
Ballarat Suez F & M Maiden $26,000 1200m 2.00pm
A NZ$100,000 Karaka yearling, My Pendant (NZ) (Pins) was bred by Waikato Stud and they have remained in the ownership of the Danny O’Brien-trained filly. She is the first foal of My Locket (NZ) (Any Suggestion), who is a sister to the G1 Queensland Oaks winner My Keepsake (NZ) (Keeper) and the family of the former crack sprinter Lankan Rupee (Redoute’s Choice).
My Pendant was unplaced in a couple of trials before she got serious on debut and finished runner-up at Kilmore. She looks to have the gate speed to make winning use of the inside draw.
My Pendant as a yearling
Ballina Tursa 4YO & Up Maiden $22,000 1000m 2.25pm
Super Freak (Rothesay) is first-up here for Deagon trainer Pat Duff and the patiently-handled mare was second on debut last season so she acts well fresh. She has drawn ideally in this 1000 metre dash and her pedigree is speed-orientated.
She is out of the Royal Academy (USA) mare Crazy As, who won three times up to 1600 metres, and she is out of a half-sister to the G1 Golden Slipper S., and G1 AJC Sires’ Produce S., winner Tierce (Victory Prince) and the family of the G2 Shannon S., winner Washington Heights (Commands).
