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 Thursday, we head to Port Macquarie where Kris Lees has one filly looking to break her maiden and another one looking to make it back-to-back wins. Then we go under lights to Pakenham where Mick Price debuts a filly who looks a promising staying prospect.
Port Macquarie Race 2, Black Box Pizza Mdn, $22,000, 1500m, 1:50pm AEDT
Wild Sheila (Animal Kingdom {USA}) looks to break her maiden here having finished close-up at Tamworth on debut, beaten less than 1.5l by the winner. Natural improvement off that should see her very competitive here.
She was passed in at the 2017 Easter Sales and retained by her owners the Esplin family. Out of imported mare Street 'Em Sheila (USA), she is a half-sister to black-type winner Office Bearer from the family of South African star sprinter Super Sheila.
Port Macquarie Race 6, Ruins on Hayward Class 2 Hcp, $22,000, 1500m, 4:15pm AEDT
Impeccably-bred Angel of Heaven (Redoute's Choice) is looking to make it two wins from as many starts when she steps into Class 2 company here off a narrow Scone maiden win, where she charged late to nab victory.
The step up in distance would appear to suit her on what she showed there as well as on her pedigree, being out of G1 Schweppes Oaks winning mare Lights of Heaven. She looks to be very progressive and her dam won her first four starts. It wouldn't surprise to see this filly do something similar to start her career.
Pakenham Race 4, Southern Cross Turf Mdn, $27,000, 1400m, 7:30pm AEDT
Oceanex (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) makes her debut for Mick Price having been given a couple of solid hitouts in recent jumpouts which should have her fit and ready for this at 1400m.
A $70,000 yearling buy of out Karaka, she is a half-sister to G3 winner Amexed as well as stakes-placed Digital Fortress. It’s a family which appreciates distance, but she will relish the long straight at Pakenham to stretch out in her first start.
