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 Thursday, a sibling of a Golden Slipper runner looks for a breakthrough win at Newcastle, while Kirs Lees debuts the latest member of a strong NZ staying family, while at Pakenham, Michael Moroney brings a promising 3-year-old back to the races.
Newcastle Race 3, 1:50pm AEDT, Hungerford Hill Mdn, $35,000, 1300m
Those who have done their Golden Slipper pedigrees will recognise Tippler (Pierro) as the older half-sister to Vincere Volare (I Am Invincible), who contests Saturday's big race. Another half sister Conscious (So You Think {NZ}) is stakes-placed along with dam Elimbari (Fastnet Rock).
Elimbari is out of the Listed winner Shalt Not (St Covet) and is a half-sister to former star 2-year-old Amelia's Dream (Redoute's Choice).
Tippler was passed in as a yearling and has been retained to race by breeder Bob Hannon. She had four starts last campaign and finished third on all four occasions, with her greatest margin from the winner being 1.15l.
Tippler as a yearling
Newcastle Race 6, 3:40pm AEDT, Top Cut Foods Mdn, $35,000, 1200m
A $420,000 purchase out of the Karaka Premier Sale, Alba Wings (Redoute's Choice) makes his debut for Kris Lees having put in a solid performance when third at a recent trial at Newcastle.
He is out of NZ Group 2 winner Jeu De Cartes (Stravinsky) and his half sister by Frankel (GB) has been a winner in Japan.
It’s a very strong New Zealand staying family, with Jeu De Cartes out of the multiple Group 1 winner Prized Gem (NZ) (Prized {USA}), who has also produced G1 Australian Derby winner Nom Du Jeu (NZ) (Montjeu {Ire}).
Alba Wings as a yearling
Pakenham Race 2, 6:30pm AEDT, Infinity Property Group Mdn, $35,000, 1200m
Bonaparte (Pierro) returns for his second campaign having finished third in his two starts in his first time in work. A $360,000 yearling purchase from Gold Coast Magic Millions, he looks a horse who could improve significantly this time in based on his recent jumpouts, which have been strong.
He hails from a very nice family being the first foal of a half sister to Group 1 winner and now stallion, Sizzling (Snitzel). They are out of the stakes-placed Admirelle (General Nediym), herself out of a stakes-winner in Laudemio (Alzao).
Bonaparte as a yearling
