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 Sunday, we head to Colac, where Entourage looks to become the latest winner from a successful family, at Wangaratta a huge drop in class should suit homebred Ashlor, while at Sunshine Coast, Pinnacle Star looks to back up for a second win.
Colac Race 3, Charles Stewart Real Estate Mdn, $23,000, 2:10pm AEDT
Entourage (Pierro) hails from a very nice family, with her dam Rock Success (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire)) a half-sister to Group 1 winner Sea Siren (Fastnet Rock) as well as stakes winners Lady Dehere (Dehere {USA}), Oratorio (Stravinsky {USA}) and Discorsi (Galileo {Ire}).
She made good progress through her first two starts, finishing third at Stony Creek and Yarra Valley. She found the 1875m at Kyneton last time a bit beyond her and drops back to the 1600m, which looks ideal.
Entourage as a yearling
Wangaratta Race 5, BetEasy VOBIS Gold Eldorado, $100,000, 2:25pm AEDT
Ashlor (Hard Spun {USA)) drops back significantly in class for home town trainer Dan McCarthy, having been competitive at Group 1 level later last year. He comes off a trial win since his most recent start when fourth in the WJ Adams S.
His dam, Another Shot (Keltrice), has been an excellent producer for breeder David Strain, with stakes-placed Nicholls Court (Mujahid {USA}) and seven-time winner Ashdam (Hard Spun {USA}) among her other progeny. The third dam, Smooth Bay (Lord Seymour {Ire}) was a Listed winner as well.
Sunshine Coast Race 8, National Construction Management Class 1, $21,000, 6pm AEDT
Pinnacle Star (Starspangledbanner {Ire}) comes from a family with some Group 1 quality, with Queensland Oaks winner Purple (Commands) sharing the same third dam, Scarlet Robin (First Consul {USA}) as this 3-year-old. Scarlet Robin is a half-sister to three Group 1 winners in Gurners Lane (NZ), Sovereign Red (NZ) and Trichelle (NZ).
Pinnacle Star impressed when winning on debut, coming from off the pace to score impressively and it wouldn’t surprise to see him make it two from two here.
Pinnacle Star as a yearling
