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 zero in on juveniles making their first appearances at Rosehill and Doomben and a lightly-raced colt who steps out at the Rosehill meeting.
Rosehill Happy 21st Madeleine Sprint $125,000 1100 metres 3.50pm
A rain-affected track won’t pose any problems for the progressive 3-year-old Rare Episode (NZ) (Ferlax). He is a son of Sister Phenomenon (Rock Of Gibraltar {IRE}), whose four foals to race have all been successful and includes the stakes performer Rare Occurrence (Star Witness) who has won on soft ground. The dam is a half-sister to the G2 Shannon S. winner Washington Heights (Commands).
Trained by Brad Widdup, Rare Episode was a NZ$100,000 Karaka purchase and has made a bright start with two wins from four appearances. He made all in front last time out to score on wet going at Kembla Grange.
Rare Episode as a yearling
Moonee Valley BuildSafe Plate $100,000 1000 metres 3.30pm
A strong European pedigree is boasted by First Responder (Star Witness), who was a $360,000 purchase for Spendthrift at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. The colt is out of the unraced Galileo (IRE) mare Just Incredible (IRE), whose dam Mona Lisa (GB) (Giant’s Causeway {IRE}) was a Listed winner and a multiple Group 1 placegetter. She is also a half-sister to three international black type winners.
First Responder has not been seen at any public trials, but he is in the yard of Team Hawkes and they have the happy knack of putting the winning polish on a good number of their debut runners. Brett Prebble will guide the 2-year-old from a good gate.
First Responder as a yearling
Doomben Brisbane Broncos Sizzling Plate $125,000 1050 metres 6.28pm
Trainer Greg Hickman signed for Eleven Eleven (Fastnet Rock) for $230,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale and the gelding is a son of Smokin’ Alice (USA) (Smoke Glacken {USA}), who won on six occasions. She is from the family of the G3 Research S. winner Mica’s Pride (Bite The Bullet) and at stud she has produced the multiple Group 1 winner Criterion (NZ) (Sebring) and the G1 Doomben Cup winner Comin’through (Fastnet Rock).
Eleven Eleven is unbeaten in two trials, the first at Warwick Farm on a heavy track and the second on a good surface at Canterbury so there are clear signs of versatility there. The gelding has drawn a middle gate and James Orman will take the reins.
Eleven Eleven as a yearling
