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 zero in on a first-starter and a promising filly resuming while at Cranbourne we fancy a well-related filly to shed her maiden tag.
Wagga Race 1, 12.25pm, RSL Country Club Maiden, $40,000. 1200m
Verdi (So You Think {NZ}) has got in off the ballot and the 3-year-old can make full use of the opportunity to shine on debut. He has been to the trials three times and saved the best for last when a recent runner-up in an open heat on his home track at Goulburn. He will have the added benefit of Sam Clipperton in the saddle.
A $100,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast purchase for trainer Kurt Goldman, Verdi is a son of Persian Star (Shot Of Thunder), who won on seven occasions including the Listed Andrew Ramsden S. and was Group 3 placed. She is out of a half-sister to the G1 Nakayama Sprinters S. winner Ultra Fantasy (Encosta de Lago) and the family of the Group 3 winners Precise Timing (Johann Quartz {Fr}) and Royal Place (USA) (Out Of Place {USA}).
Verdi
Wagga Race 2, 1.00pm, Port Of Melbourne H., $30,000, 1200m
The Matthew Dale-prepared Miss Crompton (Charge Forward) made a strong start to her career last preparation and was a winner on the course and placed at her next appearance before a break. The filly has a handy draw to work with on her return and Tommy Berry in the saddle is another major plus.
Miss Crompton is a half-sister to two winners with their dam Theboab (Snippets) a half-sibling to the Group 3 winners L’Esperance (Marscay) and his brother Martree. The pedigree also features the G1 Canatala S. and G2 Royal Lodge S. winner Best Of Days (GB) (Azamour {Ire}) and the G3 Sandown S. winner Under The Eiffel (Mossman).
Cranbourne Race 1, 6.00pm, Frankston Sand Soil & Mini Mix 2YO, $35,000, 1000m
A $280,000 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale buy for Mick Price Racing, Exceed Rock is a half-sister to two winners. The dam Sister Rocks (USA) (Rock Hard Ten {USA}) is a sister to the G2 American Turf S. winner Doubles Partner and a half-sister to the dam of the G2 Blamey S. winner Puissance De Lune (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}). It’s also the family of the former champion filly and multiple Group 1 winner Rizeena (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}).
Exceed Rock was unplaced first time out and then showed significant improvement when she raced on the speed and stayed on gamely to finish third behind the highly-regarded Sartorial Splendour (Brazen Beau) at Terang. The filly was ridden by Michael Walker, who takes the mount again, and a wide gate may not prove too troublesome on a rain-affected track.
Exceed Rock as a yearling
