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, we kick things off at Canberra where a Snitzel filly debuts for Mark Newnham before we head to Canterbury for a Chris Waller 3-year-old having his second start and then to The Valley where a close relation to Ocean Park makes her first appearance.
Canberra Race 1, John McGrath Ford 2YO Hcp, $20,000, 1000m, 1:43pm AEDT
Lilly Pilly (Snitzel) makes her debut for Mark Newnham in what looks a winnable maiden having had a couple of trials, the most recent when second at Warwick Farm earlier this month. She gets an inside barrier here which should suit her over the 1000m.
She was a $185,000 buy from last year's Magic Millions, out of the stakes-placed Fleur De'here (NZ) (Dehere {USA}), making her a three-quarter-sister to Listed winner Zamzam (Redoute's Choice). Fleur De'here is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Tully Thunder, who is the grand-dam of G1 Australian Derby winner Levendi. It's a strong black-type family which is anchored on this filly's second dam, the stakes-winner Fleur De Chine (NZ) (Centaine).
Lilly Pilly as a yearling
Canterbury Race 1, Tab Rewards Hcp, $50,000, 1550m, 6:15pm AEDT
King of Seas (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}) wasn't far away on debut at Warwick Farm, beaten just 2.5l and should improve here up to 1550m second-up. We haven’t seen too many by the sire in Australia, but distance and maturity appear to be things they need.
He was bought out of the 2017 NZB Ready To Run Sale for just $37,500 and is raced by Chris Waller's long-term clients and friends, the Muollos. He is out of stakes-placed Free Sea (NZ) (Racer's Edge), who has produced a winner in Excuse Me Baybee (No Excuse Needed {GB}) and is out of a half-sister to the Group winning stayer Eros (NZ).
Jakkalberry
Moonee Valley Race 1, Schweppes We Get Golf Plate, 1000m, 6:30pm AEDT
Excelida (Exceed and Excel) steps out for her debut at the same track where her close relation Ocean Park (NZ) won the Cox Plate. Owned by Cambridge Stud proprietors, the Lindsays, she is the first foal from Lady Sayyida (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), the half-sister to Ocean Park and a winner of three races herself.
Their dam Eastern Princess is a three-quarter sister to champion filly Courtza, while Group 1 winner Prince Kaapstad also features on the pedigree page. This filly has been given a couple of easy jumpouts at Flemington of late. You’d expect her to settle back here and work home nicely, perhaps with an eye to the future.
Excelida as a yearling
