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 Sunday, we track another I Am Invincible 2-year-old on debut, head to Wyong where a well-bred filly has her first start, then go to Tasmania to follow a close relative of a star filly.
Geelong Race 1, Maree Thomas Memorial 2YO Mdn, $35,000, 1100m, 12:40pm AEDT
There has been no shortage of pricy I Am Invincibles making their debuts of late and there are two in this race, including the Tony McEvoy-trained Vinco. A $400,000 Magic Millions buy, he stepped out in a recent Pakenham barrier trial and after dropping back near last worked home very nicely for second.
He is out of Percussive (Encosta De Lago), who was precocious enough to finish fourth in a G3 Maribyrnong Plate and has produced a 2-year-old winner already in Berimbau (Shamardal {USA}). Percussive is a half-sister to a stakes-winning 2-year-old in Royal Courtship (Royal Academy {USA}).
Vinco as a yearling
Wyong Race 2, Club Toukley's Harry Trotters Mdn, $35,000, 1350m, 1:55pm AEDT
Miss Belief (Snitzel) makes her debut off a couple of midfield trials at Rosehill earlier this month. This looks a good assignment for this filly first up, with Glyn Schofield in the saddle.
She was a $350,000 yearling buy from the 2017 Easter Sales for some high-profile owners, including Vinery Stud, in whose colours she races. She is out of Group 2-winning mare Divine Rebel (Don Eduardo {NZ}). The second dam, It’s My Sin (NZ), was a Group 1 winner who hails from a high-quality Danish family.
Miss Belief as a yearling
Hobart Race 5, Listed Seppelt Elwick S., $100,000, 1100m, 3:30pm AEDT
Mystical Pursuit (Needs Further) steps up to stakes grade here at her third start, but on her opening two wins at Launceston, looks like she is ready for the challenge. She was a narrow winner first up and then improved markedly second up to win well.
She is the three-quarter sister to star Tasmanian filly Mystic Journey, who was a Group 2 winner in the spring and returned with a big win during the week on a path to the Australian Guineas. As a side note, Mystical Pursuit threw trainer Adam Trinder off during trackwork pre-Christmas, breaking his pelvis. Ouch.
Mystical Pursuit as a yearling
