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 take a look at the Newcastle chances of a lightly-raced duo from the Kris Lees stable and a promising 3-year-old at Sandown who is out to preserve his unbeaten record.
Newcastle Race 3, Peden’s Hotel Showcase Maiden, $30,000, 1600m, 2.35pm AEDT
Kris Lees’ Crowd Surfer (Redoute’s Choice) is a half-brother to the G3 Run to the Roses winner and G1 Golden Rose runner-up Squamosa (Not A Single Doubt), who is now a stakes producer. Their dam is Class Success (Success Express {USA}), who won the Listed Champagne S., and is from the family of the G2 Woodbine Taylor S., winner and G1 French 1000 Guineas placegetter Vidor (USA) (Vaguely Noble {IRE}).
Crowd Surfer was runner-up on debut last month and then finished a close fourth at Muswellbrook. The 4-year-old will again be ridden by Andrew Gibbons and against what looks to be moderate opposition, he should be right in the firing line.
Newcastle Race 4, East Cessnock Bowling Club H, $30,000, 1200m, 3.10pm AEDT
More Chilli (Sizzling) made an encouraging start to his career and in two appearances the gelding was runner-up in his first appearance and then went one better at Scone. He was then sent for a spell and has been given two trial outings to fit him for his return.
His dam Dayita (Show A Heart) was a handy mare who won on seven occasions and the pedigree page features the Listed VRC St Leger winner Inkster (Umatilla {NZ}), who also placed in the G2 South Australian Oaks. The family isn’t laden with black type, but there is any number of multiple winners, including Victory Lass who won 16 times over sprint distances.
More Chilli as a yearling
Sandown Lakeside Race 3, Spicer Thoroughbreds H, $40,000, 1200m, 2.10pm AEDT
Snitz And The City (Snitzel) was a $135,000 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale buy for Malua Bloodstock and she provided a return on their investment earlier this month. The 3-year-old was successful at Geelong under Ben Thompson, who takes the ride again for Leon and Troy Corstens.
The filly’s mother Manhattan Mam won three races and she is a half-sister to the G1 Turnbull S., winner December Draw (IRE) (Medicis {GB}). It is a strong international pedigree that features the G1 Prix de la Foret winner One Master (GB) (Fastnet Rock), the G1 Doncaster Racing Post Trophy winner Rivet (IRE) (Fastnet Rock) and the G2 Flying Childers S., winner Superstar Leo (IRE) (College Chapel {GB}).
Snitz And The City as a yearling
