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 Wednesday, Nature looks to emulate her dam and win on debut, highly-rated Master Rock looks to break his maiden at Mornington and a well-related filly seeks 2-year-old success at Gosford.
Gosford Race 2, Tooheys 3YO Mdn, $35,000, 1000m, 2pm AEDT
Nature (Dream Ahead {USA}) boasts a pedigree to make an impact at her first start, being out of Group 2 winner Cavalry Rose (Charge Forward), who won her first two starts as a 2-year-old.
She's from a strong New Zealand family on her dam's side, including stakes winners Testarhythm (NZ), Te Akau Rose (NZ) and Magic Briar (NZ). This filly's most recent trial was pretty good, albeit a distant second to one of her rivals here but from an inside barrier, she can certainly figure and is well worth following.
Nature as a yearling
Mornington Race 2, Stellar Plate, $35,000, 1000m, 3:55pm AEDT
Master Rock (Fastnet Rock) was set to resume last week at this track, but the hot weather saw the meeting abandoned and he steps out here instead.
He showed plenty in his first campaign, starting favourite on both occasions, including his third at Sale behind subsequent stakes-winner Bleu Roche (Fastnet Rock).
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). One of the dam's other half sisters, Miss Judgement, produced Missrock (Fastnet Rock), a Group 3 winner and Group 1 placegetter.
Fastnet Rock
Gosford Race 6, Aussie Night Markets 2YO Mdn, $35,000, 4:20pm AEDT
Intriguing 2-year-old maiden this with eight first starters, including several strong triallers. Satin Socks (Medaglia d'Oro {USA}) is one of the four raced brigade, having stepped out in the G3 Gimcrack S. in September when sixth beaten four lengths by Catch Me (I Am Invincible).
Her half-sister Satin Slipper won the Gimcrack S. in 2017, while her dam Satin Shoes (Flying Spur) was a G2 Silver Slipper S. winner, so there is plenty of precocity in the family. Like the others, she is a homebred for Belinda Bateman and has had a couple of trials to ready her for this race.
