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 Friday, Robbie Laing resumes a promising colt at Mornington, Matt Smith gets a well-related filly back to the races and Helbent's full brother is set for his debut at Moonee Valley.
Mornington Race 2, Ladbrokes Plate, $23,000, 1000m, 3:20pm AEDT
Master Rock (Fastnet Rock) showed plenty in his first campaign, stating favourite in both his starts, including his third at Sale behind subsequent stakes-winner Bleu Roche (Fastnet Rock). He resumes here in a very winnable race but hasn't trialled.
Robbie Laing paid $250,000 for him at the 2017 Magic Millions. He is out of Group 3 winner Fifth Avenue Lady (Encosta De Lago), who herself is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Mrs Onassis (General Nediym) as well as stakes-winners Aussies Love Sport (Redoute's Choice) and Miss Judgement (Strategic). Miss Judgement produced Missrock (Fastnet Rock), a Group 3 winner and Group 1 placegetter, who is a close relative to this colt.
Fastnet Rock
Goulburn Race 4, S & K Wilson Plumbing Mdn, $22,000, 1200m, 3:28pm AEDT
Sailing Along (Pierro) had just the one start for Matt Smith as a 2-year-old, finishing fourth at big odds at Wyong. She returns here from a spell off the back of a recent Warwick Farm trial where she wasn't asked to do a lot. She is worth following as she progresses in distance this time in.
A $120,000 buy for Mystery Downs at the 2017 Magic Millions Sale, she is the first foal from stakes-winning filly Moonlight Bay (Catbird). That mare's dam Moonfire (Geiger Counter) is a stakes-placed half-sister to Group 1 winner Old Money, the dam of Trap For Fools, and Group 2 winner Old Cobber.
Sailing Along as a yearling
Moonee Valley Race 1, Happy Birthday Pat Egan Plate, $60,000, 1000m, 6:30pm AEDT
Hulk (I Am Invincible) makes his first appearance for Darren Weir (although is also entered for Saturday at Caulfield) and will create plenty of interest. He is a full brother to Yarraman Park stallion Hellbent, who secured a Group 1 win at this track in the William Reid S. last year.
A $200,000 buy at last year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, he showed sustained speed to win a recent Ballarat jumpout by around four lengths and on that looks a likely 2-year-old type.
Hulk as a yearling
