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 2-year-old takes on the older horses at Gosford, a close relative to Dundeel fronts for a new stable at Geelong and a half-brother to a Group 1 winner makes his debut at Pakenham.
Gosford Race 3, 2:35pm AEDT, Klingspor Mdn Hcp, $35,000, 1100m
It's not uncommon to start to see the 2-year-olds take on the older horses in maidens at this time of year and Taikun (Written Tycoon), looks set to do that here. He was one of the highest priced lots at last year's Perth Magic Millions Sale, where Gary Moore paid $175,000 for him.
He is the first foal from Jest Envy Her (Patronize), a three-time winner and half-sister to the stakes-winner The River (Magnus) and stakes-placed Soundcheck (Your Song) and a full sister to stakes-placed Jestpatim. The younger half-brother by Magnus sold for $130,000 at this year's Perth sale.
Taikun has had one start finishing seventh in a city class 2-year-old race back in December and drops significantly in class to this race.
Taikun as a yearling
Geelong Race 4, 3pm AEDT, APCO Service Station Mdn, $23,000, 1435m
The very well-related colt High Done (High Chaparral {Ire}) finds himself in the Mick Price stable for his second campaign. A NZ$380,000 buy at the 2017 Karaka Sale, he is a very close relative to six-time Group 1 winner and rising star stallion Dundeel (NZ). His dam Donelmi (NZ) (Stravinksy {USA}) is a half-sister to Stareel (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), the dam of Dundeel. Both those mares are out of champion NZ filly Staring (NZ) (Fiesta Star).
High Done progressed nicely without winning in his first campaign under Darren Weir's guidance, registering placings in three of his four runs.
High Done as a yearling
Pakenham Race 2, 6:30pm AEDT, Foilboard Australia Mdn, $35,000, 1400m
El Vincitore (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) debuts for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace having cost $150,000 at the 2017 Easter Sale.
He is a half-brother to Group 1 winner Grand Journey (Good Journey {USA}) and Listed winner Proliferate (More than Ready {USA}), while another half-sister, Grand Strategy (Strategic), produced the Group 1 winner Griante (Good Journey {USA}). Further back on the pedigree page are stakes-winning pair Joy Of Flight (Flying Spur) and Landing (More Than Ready {USA}).
This gelding had a recent jumpout at Sandown, finishing just behind the leading bunch. He looks a horse who will improve with racing.
El Vincitore as a yearling
