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 two well-related first-timers at the Benalla meeting and zero in on a youngster at the Sunshine Coast who is from the family of a former outstanding juvenile.
Benalla Race 1, 12.50pm, Steph Ryan Maiden, $23,000, 1406m
Crypto Fiorelli (Fiorente {Ire}) is a son of Regimental Dance (General Nediym) who was successful on three occasions and she is a daughter of Ballet Score (Ire), a 2-year-old winning daughter of Sadler’s Wells (USA). The family boasts numerous North American black type winners including the dual Group 1 winner Forever Together (USA) (Belong To Me {USA}), Winged Victory (USA) (Nijinsky {Can}) and Peaks And Valleys (USA) (Mt Livermore {USA}).
Trained by Robert Hickmott, Crypto Fiorelli has trialled twice ahead of his debut and in his latest outing at Casterton he finished a tidy fourth. He’s drawn a handy gate and can make his presence felt in the hands of Dean Holland.
Fiorente
Benalla Race 3, 2.05pm, Burtons IGA Maiden, $23,000, 1106m
A $230,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Gypsy Flyer (I Am Invincible) is a sister to the G3 Ottawa S. winner and G1 Coolmore Stud S. runner-up Invincible Star. They are out of Romany Flyer (Catbird), who is a half-sister to the four-time Group 3 winner Viking Hero (Elvstroem). Also appearing on the subject filly’s pedigree page is the G1 Flight S. winner Unearthly (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), the G1 AJC Derby and G1 Rosehill Guineas winner Innocent King (Tolomeo {Ire}) and the Schweppes Oaks winner Invest (Dehere {USA}).
Trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace have taken Gypsy Flyer along quietly and she’s had a couple of quiet trials to fit her for her debut. Apprentice Liam Riordan will take the mount and they look a combination to take seriously.
Gypsy Flyer as a yearling
Sunshine Coast Race 4, 3.19pm, $21,000, Kincrome QTIS 2YP, 1000m
Contemptuous (Rubick) was a $100,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling buy for Proven Thoroughbreds and the colt promises an early return on that investment. He has won his only trial for trainer Steven O’Dea and if he can cross from a tricky gate without too much trouble he should go close.
He is out of the unraced Commands mare Contempt and a family that has produced the G1 Spring Champion S. winner Complacent (Authorized {Ire}) and the G3 Golden Pendant winner Screen (Lonhro). It also features the G1 Champagne S. winner and former champion Australian 2-year-old Dracula (Quest For Fame {GB}).
Contemptuous as a yearling
