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, we check out an Anthony Freedman debutant at Benalla before heading to the lights of Pakenham where Mick Kent steps out a filly from a family he knows well, and a promising stayer returns for a new stable.
Benalla Race 1, 1:30pm AEST, Noorilim Park Thoroughbreds 2YO Mdn, $23,000, 1106m
A few interesting debutants in this race, with It'sayesfromme (Dundeel {NZ}) showing enough at a recent Balnarring jumpout to suggest he is ready to perform well at his first start. Anthony Freedman has a great record with his 2-year-olds this season, having had 10 winners and five placings from 20 starters.
This colt was purchased at the 2018 Magic Millions Sale by Dream Thoroughbreds for $115,000. He is out of Vocalise (Redoute's Choice), who was a 2-year-old winner herself out of Serenade Lily (NZ) (King's Best {USA}), the half-sister to dual G1 Oaks winner Serenade Rose (Stravinsky {USA}), who was prepared by Anthony's brother Lee.
It'sayesfromme as a yearling
Pakenham Race 3, 7pm AEST, Birch Family Hardham Mdn, $35,000, 1400m
Mick Kent has had significant success with We Know So's (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}) family, so it was little surprise to see him secure her for $52,000 at the 2017 NZB Select Sale at Karaka. He trained her Listed winning brother You Think So (Golan {Ire}), while he also trained the full sister to her dam Milly Molly (NZ) (Montjeu {Ire}), Montahlia (NZ), who was also a black-type winner.
Not surprising given her pedigree that she kicks off her career at 1400m and she looks a filly that will stretch out further in distance over time. But she did show plenty of pace to lead and finish second in a recent Cranbourne jumpout.
Pakenham Race 6, 8:30pm AEST, Parklea BM70 Hcp, $35,000, 1400m
The promising Approach Discreet (Dawn Approach {Ire}) resumes here for a new stable having showed considerable promise in his first campaign, which included an eighth-length Morphettville win before competing in the G2 AAMI Vase.
Mick Price now takes control and will no doubt have some ambitious plans for him. A $360,000 Easter Sale buy in 2017, he is out of the multiple Listed winner Very Discreet (Exceed and Excel), a family which has produced a host of stakes-winners bearing the 'Discreet' name.
Approach Discreet as a yearling.
