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.
Today, we zero in on an expensive youngster on debut and a sparingly-raced filly at Spendthrift Park while at Cranbourne a first-up winner is expected to produce another bold showing.
Spendthrift Park Race 3, 2.30pm, Come & Visit Spendthrift, $23,000, 1100m
Invincible Pride (I Am Invincible) was a pricey yearling, costing $360,000 at the Inglis Classic Sale and is a half-sister to the multiple winner Doves Cry (Street Cry {Ire}) who is the only foal of Family Crest (NZ) (Fastnet Rock) to race. The dam was successful on four occasions and was runner-up in the G3 Mannerism S. She is out of a half-sister to the G2 Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic winner Centrofold (Centro) and the Hong Kong stakes winner Smart Kid (NZ) (Kaapstad {NZ}).
Trained by Robbie Griffiths, Invincible Pride has had one trial outing and wasn’t asked to do much. She has the services of senior rider Andrew Mallyon and might offer value on an each-way basis.
Invincible Pride as a yearling
Cranbourne Race 1, 6.00pm, Cranbourne Hyundai Maiden, 1000m
Bartoletta (Starspangledbanner) was put away after an unplaced debut effort and showed the benefit of a break with a solid effort for fourth when resuming. The Phillip Stokes-trained filly has an ideal gate and this looks a gilt-edged opportunity for her to post a breakthrough victory.
The 3-year-old is a daughter of the Listed Canberra Guineas winner and G3 Keith Nolan Classic placegetter She Goes To Rio (NZ) (Captain Rio {GB}). She has a tidy sprinting pedigree, hailing from the family of the G1 Fruit ‘n’ Veg winner Blevvo (Blevic), the G3 Swettenham Stud S. winner True Spirit (Mustin Lake {USA}) and Oneninetyfive (Blevic), successful at stakes level in Singapore.
Bartoletta as a yearling
Cranbourne Race 8, 9.30pm, Procon Developments Series, $35,000, 1400m
The Enver Jusufovic-prepared Neighbourhood (Street Boss {USA}) sparkled on debut at Cranbourne where she came in for heavy support and was a dominant winner. Michael Dee will continue his association with the filly, who on pedigree will get better as she goes further.
She is the first foal to race for Help (NZ) (Savabeel) who won up to a mile and is out of a half-sister to the former champion stayer Honor Babe (NZ) (Honor Grades {USA}), whose six wins included the G1 Sydney Cup. It’s also the family of the G3 Great Northern Challenge S. winner and G1 Easter H. runner-up Kiwi Golfer (NZ) (Cocky Golfer {USA}).
