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 Saturday, we stick to the 2-year-old trail, with a well-related Chris Waller debutant at Rosehill, a recent trial winner for Phillip Stokes at Morphettville and a promising first starter for Danny O'Brien at Flemington.
Rosehill Race 1, Countdown to Golden Slipper Sprint, $125,000, 1100m, 1:20pm AEDT
Some really interesting debutants here, but on pedigree alone, you have to go with Antonio Padre (Hinchinbrook), the Chris Waller trained colt who will have to overcome a wide gate if he is to open his career with a win. Out of Kaaptive Empress (Kaaptive Edition), he is a full brother to G1 Caulfield Guineas winner and now Vinery stallion Press Statement and a half to Group 1 winner Pressday (Domesday).
He improved a lot from his first trial to his second, which he won narrowly at Rosehill. It’s worth noting that both his half brother and full brother were winners on debut, who reached their best in the later 2-year-old season, winning the same G1 1600m race in Brisbane.
Hinchinbrook
Morphettville Race 1, Winning Edge Presentations Two-Year Old Plate, $45,000, 1050m, 2:26pm AEDT
This race has fallen away a bit due to scratchings and Phillip Stokes' first starter Sizzlefly (Sizzling) looks set to open her career with a win. She won a trial recently at this track and seems to have made good progress.
She was a $110,000 buy for her trainer at the 2018 Magic Millions. She is out of a stakes-winner in Come Fly With Me (More Than Ready {USA}), who has produced Hong Kong winner Foxbat (Foxwedge). It’s the family of Flying Jess, harking back to G1 Queen Elizabeth S. winner Dinky Flyer.
Sizzlefly as a yearling
Flemington Race 1, VRC Member Duane Rogers Plate, $125,000, 1200m, 1:00pm AEDT
Danny O'Brien debuts Skiddaw (Hinchinbrook) having scratched him from a run last week. He was a $240,000 buy from last year's Magic Millions Sale, from a family which includes the prolific Singapore winner Fantastic Owners as well as G1 Doncaster winner Sprint By and stakes-winning mare Queen of State (NZ).
This colt's half-brother in the promising Phenome (Choisir), a winner of three of his eight starts, while the younger half brother sold for $150,000 at last week's Magic Millions. He had a recent jumpout at Flemington, finishing in a bunch behind subsequent winner Microphone (Exceed And Excel).
Skiddaw as a yearling
