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 look at an expensive youngster making his return at Canberra, a lightly-tried maiden hope at Tamworth and a regally-bred 3-year-old resuming at the Sunshine Coast.
Canberra G3 McGrath Auto Group Black Opal S $300,000 1200 metres
High-priced youngster Rome (Pierro) makes his return here and the $1,050,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase has won a recent trial at Randwick in the hands of Brett Prebble, who takes the ride again. The colt has finished in the money in both starts and looks primed for a bold first-up showing.
Rome is a son of the 2-year-old winner Dance Card (Exceed And Excel), who is a half-sister to the G3 Southern Cross S. winner Kaepernick (Fastnet Rock). Their dam Volcada (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}) was successful on three occasions and it’s also the family of the dual Group 3 winner and Group 1 placegetter Spright (Hinchinbrook).
Rome
Tamworth Fossey Range Rover Maiden $30,000 1400 metres 1.20pm
A half-brother to two winners, Son Of A Dun (Dundeel {NZ}) is out of Geniemac (Al Maher) who is a half-sister to the dual stakes winner and Magic Millions 2YO Classic runner-up Paprika (General Nediym). The second generation of this family also features the G3 McKay S. winner Streetcar Magic (Blevic) and the Listed winners Lord Von Costa (Von Costa de Hero) and Streetcar Isabelle (Danerich).
Son Of A Dun has made an encouraging start to his career and followed up a debut fourth with a sound third placing at Scone. The rise in trip to 1400 metres is perfect for him and he appeals as a strong chance to post his maiden success.
Son Of A Dun
Sunshine Coast Locality Planning Energy Plate $21,000 1400 metres 1.20pm
The well-related Frankel Star (Frankel {GB}) was a $500,000 Inglis Sydney Easter Yearling Sale purchase and is a half-brother to the G1 Vinery Stud S. winner Fenway (High Chaparral {Ire}) and the G3 Up and Coming S. winner War (More Than Ready {USA}). Their dam Deedra (Zabeel {NZ}) is a half-sister to the Group 1 winners Tuesday Joy (Carnegie {Ire}) and Sunday Joy (Sunday Silence {USA}), dam of Champion More Joyous (More Than Ready {USA}).
Frankel Star has a long way to go to live up to his rich pedigree, but he’s made a bright enough start. The colt was a course and distance winner at his second appearance and was then given a break after finding 1800 metres a step too far when finishing fourth in January.
Frankel Star
