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 Sunday, we have sorted out a pair of lightly-raced maiden contenders to follow at Mudgee and a 3-year-old at Mornington attempting to add performance to his Group 1 pedigree.
Mudgee Race 2, 1.50pm, Jungle Wax & Tan Maiden, $22,000, 1100m
He’s A Hotshot (Star Witness) produced encouraging performances at the trials before he finished runner-up on debut at Bathurst. The 3-year-old subsequently ran a close fifth at Gosford. He has since gone back to the trials and was second in an 800 metre heat at Warwick Farm so the gelding looks on the verge of a breakthrough victory here.
Trained by Bjorn Baker, He’s A Hotshot is the first foal of Ain’t Half Hot (Commands), who won on four occasions. She is a half-sister to the G3 Dane Ripper H. and Listed Glenlogan Park Stud S. winner Countess Bathory (Dracula). Their dam is a three-quarter sister to the G1 Canterbury Guineas winner High Regard (High Reserve).
Star Witness, sire of He's A Hotshot
Mudgee Race 3, 2.25pm, Mudgee Florist Maiden, $22,000, 1400m
An interesting international pedigree will be on parade when Tomatin (Smart Missile) steps out for the second time. He is a half-brother to the Listed Creswick S. winner Highland Beat (Exceed And Excel), also a multiple Group placegetter. Their dam is the stakes placed Highland Daughter (Ire) (Kyllachy {GB}) and she is a half-sister to the Italian black type winner Ryan (Ire) (Generous {Ire}). It’s also the family of the European Group 1 winners Laurens (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) and Kinnaird (Ire) (Dr Devious {Ire}).
A $105,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Tomatin finished a handy enough sixth on debut. The 3-year-old is sure to be improved for the race day experience and has the benefit of a handy gate in a big field.
Tomatin as a yearling
Mornington Race 2, 1.20pm, Stellar Plate, $23,000, 1000m
Make It Count (Snitzel) is a brother to the Listed Starlight S. winner Detective with their dam the former classy galloper Covertly (Metal Storm {Fr}), winner of the G1 Railway S. and the G3 Sires’ Produce S. She is a half-sister to the Group 3 winners So Secret (Danetime {Fr}) and Crack The Code (I Am Invincible) with their mother Most Secret (Bletchley Park {Ire}) a winner three times at Listed level.
Trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, Make It Count was a trial winner in May before running fifth first-time out the following month. The chestnut was spelled and trialled in the spring before another freshen-up. He looks a strong chance in the hands of rider Michael Dee.
Snitzel, sire of Make It Count
