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 look at an expensive colt on display at Canterbury, a promising 4-year-old returning at Moonee Valley and a trial winner to make his first appearance at Ruakaka.
Canterbury Park Friday Night Racing Plate $50,000 1550m 6.45pm
De Valera (Not A Single Doubt) was an expensive yearling, the hammer falling at $1, 250,000 to the bid of Domeland. The colt is a half-brother to the black type winner and G1 American Oaks placegetter Topic (USA) (Discreet Cat {USA}) and the South African Group performer Mutamakkin (Redoute’s Choice). Their mother is the unraced Quiet Maggy (USA) (Quiet American {USA}), a half-sister to the former champion US colt and three-time Group 1 winner Afleet Alex (USA) (Northern Afleet {USA}).
Trained by John O’Shea, De Velera trialled on five occasions before he went to Kembla Grange last month to finish runner-up on debut. With James McDonald aboard and from a middle gate, the 3-year-old looks like he can go one better.
Da Valera as a yearling
Moonee Valley Brown Baldwin H $40,000 1200m 7.00pm
Ocean Deep (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) is a daughter of the unraced Pins mare Haberdashery (NZ), a half-sister to the G1 Queensland Derby winner Lachlan River (NZ) (Desert King {IRE}). All of her foals to race have been successful and include the Listed winner Sewreel (NZ) (Savabeel).
Trained by Lindsay Park, Ocean Deep won her first two starts in fine style before she was unplaced in the G3 Angus Armanasco S. She finished fifth in her only autumn appearance and will benefit on her return with the claim of apprentice Fred Kersley.
Ocean Deep as a yearling
Ruakaka The Homestead Sports Bar Maiden $10,000 1200m 2.17pm
Sir Aglovale (Camelot {IRE}) placed in his first trial and then looked sharp when winning a 1000 metre heat at Te Aroha earlier this month. He is trained by part-owner Nigel Tiley, who has a good strike with his debut runners, and the 3-year-old will have the services of leading rider Samantha Collett.
The gelding’s dam Justine Coup (NZ) (Entrepreneur {GB}) and she won the seven races including the G3 Churchill S. all six of her foals have been winners and she is a grand-daughter of the G1 Australasian Oaks and G2 Wakeful S., winner Royal Regatta (NZ) (Sea Anchor {IRE}).
Sir Aglovale as a yearling
