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, a speedy colt makes his debut at Werribee, an expensive filly looks to break her maiden at scone, while a recent trial winner steps out for his first start at Pakenham.
Werribee Race 3, Welcome to Tradies Raceday at Werribee Mdn, $23,000, 1010m, 3:30pm AEDT
Aphotic (Lonhro) makes his debut for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young off a very recent solid Cranbourne jumpout, where he led the field up, tracked wide and still fought out the finish. He gets Damien Oliver on board here for what looks a good race for him to kick things off.
A $400,000 yearling, initially bought by Aquanita, he is a full-brother to stakes-placed Brockhoff out of Original Choice (Redoute's Choice), who herself is out of multiple Group winner Innovation Girl (Rubiton), making her a half-sister to Listed winner Chloe in Paris.
Aphotic as a yearling
Scone Race 6, Headwater @ Vinery Mdn, $22,000, 1100m, 4:20pm AEDT
Expensive filly Single Sapphire (Not A Single Doubt) drops back to country grade here looking to break her maiden having finished midfield at her two starts at Canterbury. She was only 2.8l behind the promising Vegadaze {Lope De Vega {Ire}) last time out which reads well for this race.
Originally a $520,000 yearling purchase at the 2017 Easter Sale, she is the first foal from Royal Sapphire (O'Reilly {NZ}), a half sister to Group 2 winner Twilight Royale (Testa Rossa). Names such as G1 Irish Derby winner Grey Swallow (Ire) and multiple Hong Kong Group 1 winner Designs on Rome (Ire) also feature on the pedigree page.
Single Sapphire as a yearling
Pakenham Race 1, Racing.com Mdn, $35,000, 1200m, 6pm AEDT
There are several interesting first starters here, but the recent trial of Prince of Sussex (Toronado {Ire}) at this track took the eye. He won that easily under a hold from Ben Melham, who stays aboard here.
He is out of Il Diamante (Testa Rossa), who has already produced the recent maiden winner Algadon Miss (Equiano {Fr}) and is a half-sister to stakes-winner Montauk (More Than Ready {USA}). The second dam of Prince of Sussex is the Listed winner Diamond Cove (Octagonal).
Prince Of Sussex as a yearling
