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.
Today, we focus all our attention on the meeting at Wyong and have sorted out three maiden contenders with the pedigrees to suggest they can all make their presences felt.
Wyong Great Northern On Tap Maiden $35,000 1350 metres 1.20pm
A half-brother to two multiple winners including the G3 Quezette S. runner-up Leotie (Darci Brahma {NZ}), Fortress Command (Sebring) is a son of the stakes performer Prairie Star (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}), who is a half-sister to the Listed Alexandra S. winner and multiple Group placegetter Marianne (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}). She was purchased for $1.1 million at last year’s Magic Millions Broodmare Sale by Tom Magnier. Marianne is a daughter of the Group 1 performer Madonna (Rigoletto) and the mother of the G2 Gold Circle Oaks winner Dylan’s Promise (Dylan Thomas {Ire}).
Fortress Command is prepared by Gerald Ryan and will be ridden by Brett Prebble, who has been aboard the colt in three trial outings. They will jump from an inside gate and, with little exposed form in the race, could well be worth following.
Wyong Kim Waugh Racing Stables H $35,000 1600 metres 3.10pm
Duchess Of Windsor (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) is a daughter of the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. winner Her Royal Highness (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}). Her first foal is the G3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup winner and G2 Shannon S. runner-up Kingsguard (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) and the family of the Listed Maribyrnong Trial S. winner Sweet Cheeks (General Nediym), who also placed at Group 3 level.
Co-bred by Windsor Park Stud who remains in the ownership, Duchess Of Windsor is trained by Matthew Smith and two runs back finished runner-up at Canberra. She finished fifth there last time out and stepping up to 1600 metres for the first time could be a winning move.
Wyong Men Care Too Maiden $35,000 1100 metres 4.20pm
So Very Vein (More Than Ready {USA}) could offer some value on her home track. She is resuming for trainer Kim Waugh and has had the benefit of trial to fit the chestnut for her return. She has the ace draw and will be ridden by Brenton Avdulla.
The filly is a half-sister to the G3 Glenlogan Park S. winner Sookie (Casino Prince) with their dam the unraced Purple Blood (Encosta de Lago). She is a daughter of the G1 AJC Sires’ Produce S. and G1 Champagne S. winner Victory Vein (Mr Henrysee {USA}), who is a half-sister to the Singapore black type winner The Jolly Roger (Procul Harum {NZ}).
So Very Vein pictured as a yearling
