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 Friday, we like the chances at Muswellbrook of a promising 3-year-old returning to action, a lightly-tried maiden contender from the family of the great Saintly (Sky Chase {NZ}) and a filly at Ipswich whose pedigree is littered with Group 1 winners.
Muswellbrook Race 4, 3.40pm, Prime 7 H., $30,000, 1000m
A $420,000 purchase at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, The Runner (Snitzel) is a son of Femina Fashion (Shamardal {USA}), who won on six occasions including the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet and was runner-up in the G3 Doomben Roses. She is a half-sister to the two-time South African G1 winner Happy Archer (Dubawi {Ire}). It is also the family of the G3 Wakeful S. winner and G1 VRC Oaks placegetter Lolita Star (Jeune {GB}) and the G3 Adelaide Guineas winner Berezny (Bellotto {USA}).
The Runner is trained by Bjorn Baker and made an immediate impression when he was successful at Nowra first time out followed by a third at Wyong before he was freshened. He is a recent trial winner on his home track at Warwick Farm and from a perfect gate can double his winning tally.
The Runner
Warrnambool Race 2, 3.00pm, Fabriweld Constructions Maiden, 1400m
Saint Peter (Pierro) was extensively trialled by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace before he went to Ararat for his first outing and performed soundly to finish fifth when well-supported. With the benefit of that outing under his belt it may pay to follow the money with Harry Coffey to stick with the 3-year-old.
The gelding has an interesting pedigree and is a son of Messenger (Choisir), who was good enough to claim two black type titles and is a half-sister to the G1 Australian Guineas winner God’s Own (Redoute’s Choice). Their dam Angel In Disguise (NZ) (Sky Chase {NZ}) is a three-quarter sister to the former Australian Horse of the Year Saintly, top-flight winner of the Cox Plate, Melbourne Cup, Australian Cup and the Orr S.
Ipswich Race 5, 4.07pm, Schweppes Maiden, 1200m
Lucky Spirit (Show A Heart) was three lengths off the winner when she ran fifth on debut for Toby Edmonds over this course and distance earlier this month. The filly went out at short odds after performing well at the trials and, with the benefit of race day experience, she looks set to go close from a good gate.
The 3-year-old is a sister to the black type winner Discreet with their dam Lady Danzero (Danzero) a half-sister to the Group 1 winners Masked Party (Marscay) and Festal (Vain). Wandjina (Snitzel), Inspiration (Flying Spur), Dracula (Quest For Fame {GB}), Complacent (Authorized {Ire}) and Sentimental Miss (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) are other family members to have triumphed at the highest level.
Lucky Spirit as a yearling
