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, our first two runners of interest at the Dubbo fixture are from the stable of Brett Thompson and then we zero in on a progressive 4-year-old, who can carry on the good work in a Class 2 handicap.
Dubbo Auckland Racing Club Maiden $22,000 1010 metres 2.10pm
Deceptive Cover (Fastnet Rock) did enough on debut at Scone to warrant a close look in this. The patiently-handled 4-year-old had a couple of soft lead-up trials before finishing fourth first time out when strongly supported and will benefit here with the claim of Brandon Griffiths.
A half-brother to the G1 Myer Classic and G1 Coolmore Classic winner Appearance (Commands), Deceptive Cover is out of Disguise (Grand Lodge {USA}), who was successful on three occasions. She is from the family of the former precocious 2-year-old Victory Vein (Mr Henrysee {USA}), a champion filly who won both the G1 AJC Sires’ Produce S. and the G1 Champagne S.
Deceptive Cover pictured as a yearling
Dubbo DC FM 88.9 Maiden Plate $22,000 1310 metres 2.45pm
The lightly-tried Larynx (Your Song) is a son of Conch (Cape Cross {IRE}) and she was a more than handy mare winning nine races and is a half-sister to the Listed Rosemont Stud S. winner Deja Blue (Denman), who was also placed at Group 3 level. Their dam Miss Chaski (USA) (Gone West {USA}) is a three-quarter sister to the G3 Prix de Ris-Orangis winner Time Prisoner (USA) (Elusive Quality {USA}).
Larynx was unplaced in his sole appearance last season, but has come back stronger this preparation and his effort to finish runner-up when resuming was encouraging. He has a tricky gate to overcome, but the booking of the experienced Greg Ryan is a major plus.
Dubbo Tunes on the Track N $22,000 1110 metres 3.55pm
Thermosa (Squamosa) has made an excellent start to his career and in line with his pedigree, which features the outstanding Dane Ripper (Danehill {USA}), who won four Group 1 races including the Cox Plate, and her dam Red Express (Sovereign Red {NZ}) won the G1 Orlando Wines Classic.
Prepared by Rodney Robb, Thermosa was successful at long odds on debut and has since backed that up with a solid fifth and a last-start victory on the course. The 4-year-old gelding has been handled in all starts by Wendy Peel and she will again take the reins and claim a handy two kilos.
