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 check out a Zoustar filly trained by Tony McEvoy on debut and a full-sister to a recent winner having her second start and then it's off to Kembla Grange as a returning Chris Waller 3-year-old looks to break his maiden.
Geelong Race 1, Bet365 Super Vobis 2YO Fillies Mdn, $35,000, 1125m, 1:30pm AEDT
In a 2-year-old race with plenty of intrigue, the debut of Tony McEvoy's filly Recognise (Zoustar) will be closely watched. She was given a soft time of things at a recent jumpout at Werribee and should take a fair bit of improvement from that effort into her first start.
She was a $340,000 buy at the 2018 Classic Sale and is a half sister to Mr Quickie (Shamus Award), who has won five of his seven races to date at distances up to 2000m. That might indicate this filly will prefer getting over a bit more ground in time.
Recognise as a yearling
Geelong Race 2, Bellarine Times Maiden Plate, $35,000, 1125m, 2:00pm AEDT
Augusta Hussy (Rockaroundtheclock) was runner-up behind the handy Sunderbans (NZ) (Sepoy) on debut at Geelong back in July and returns to the track looking to break her maiden.
Her full-brother, Augusta Rock, made his debut at Mornington on Wednesday and was an impressive winner, charging home from the rear of the field. Both are bred and raced by TGN Racing in South Australia.
Kembla Grange Race 6, BLG Business Advisers Mdn, $35,000, 1300m, 4:20pm AEDT
Rexx (I Am Invincible) was well supported in both his 2-year-old runs in better company, the most recent in Group 3 company in May, when well-beaten. Chris Waller has given him two trials – after the ultimate gear change – ahead of his first 3-year-old start and he looked pretty good when third on December 17 at Randwick.
A $550,000 yearling purchase for Boomer Bloodstock, he is out of stakes-placed mare Radiant Star (Success Express {USA}), the half-sister to Group winners Nediym's Glow and Kinglike.
Rexx as a yearling
