Looking Ahead

3 min read

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 like the chances of a well-related maiden at Scone, a 2-year-old with a rich background on debut at Canterbury Park and an unbeaten 3-year-old who steps out at Moonee Valley.

Scone Racing Carnival Maiden $22,000 1100 metres 2.35pm

Serbelloni (Snitzel) is part-owned by Musk Creek Farm, who paid $250,000 at the Inglis Broodmare Sale for his dam Guelder (NZ) (O’Reilly). She is a sister to the G1 Newmarket H. winner Shamexpress (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) and closely related to the G3 White Robe Lodge H. winner O’Reilly Rose (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}). It is also the family of the multiple international Group 1 winner Golden Snake (USA) (Danzig {USA}) and the G1 Caulfield Cup winner Affinity (NZ) (Zamazaan {Fr})

Trainer Paul Perry went to $180,000 to purchase Serbelloni at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale and the gelding trialled well before making his first appearance at Tamworth earlier this month. The 3-year-old finished a sound third and with natural improvement from that experience he looks a major player.

Serbelloni pictured as a yearling

Canterbury Park Summer Night’s Racing H $50,000 6.15pm

Sir Owen Glenn’s Papal Warrior (Fastnet Rock) makes his debut here and the colt has an impressive pedigree to strengthen his case. He is a son of Cloud Song (Encosta de Lago), who is a half-sister to the Group 3 winners and Group 1 performers Tulip (Pierro) and Sacred Eye (High Chaparral {Ire}). Their dam Musidora (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) won twice at Group 3 level and is the family of the Group 1 winners and champion stallions Encosta de Lago (Fairy King {USA}) and Flying Spur (Danehill {USA}).

Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, Papal Warrior has been to the trials three times for a couple of placings, one behind his stablemate Jonah (Hinchinbrook), who has placed in all three of his race day appearances.

Moonee Valley Helenic Hotel Williamstown H $60,000 1600 metres 8.00pm

Play Me Now (Bernardini {USA}) impressed first time out and he is half-brother to the Listed Metropolitan Trophy winner and G3 Wellington Cup runner-up Dee And Gee (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}). They are out of Gabana (NZ) (Jungle Pocket {Jpn}), who is a half-sister to the stakes performers Richracer (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) and Ky’s The Limit (NZ) (Bertolini {USA}). The G1 New Zealand S. winner Armstrong (NZ) (Classic Fame {USA}) is a member of this family.

Trained at Cranbourne by owner by Cindy Alderson, Play Me Now stepped out for the first time on his home track last month and won in fine style. His pedigree suggests a step up to 1600 metres will be ideal and Clayton Douglas retains the mount.