Looking Ahead - May 5

3 min read

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 concentrate our efforts on the Geelong meeting where we’ve found a well-related colt on debut, a lightly-tried filly with a hefty price tag and an import from a family that’s already worked well in Australia.

Bendigo Race 2, 1.30pm, Bendigo Mazda Maiden, $35,000, 1400m

Rokara (Fastnet Rock) has a pedigree that should ideally suit him in the debut test over 1400 metres he has been set by leading Caulfield trainer Mick Price. The colt is a son of Zingara (Zabeel {NZ}), who won twice and finished fourth in the G1 Queensland Oaks. Three of her foals have been successful and she is a daughter of the G3 Manawatu Classic winner Spottswoode (NZ) (Centaine), a sister to the G1 Arrowfield Stud S. winner Sixty Seconds (NZ).

Fastnet Rock, sire of Rokara

A $150,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale graduate, Rokara has been given one easy trial to have the youngster ready and the stable has a good record with 2-year-olds. Jake Noonan has been booked for the ride.

Bendigo Race 3, 2.05pm, Lux Boutique Tours Maiden, $35,000, 1400m

Splendid (Snitzel) was heavily backed on debut and made up late ground to finish sixth at Wangaratta. Over a bit further this time and with the benefit of experience, it may pay to follow the money on the filly.

Splendid as a yearling

A $500,000 Sydney Easter Sale yearling, Splendid is out of Fiesole (Fraar {USA}), who won twice and is a half-sister to the G2 Thousand Guineas Prelude winner Gregers (Commands) and the G3 How Now S. winner Girl Guide (Churchill Downs). The pedigree features the G1 Coolmore Classic winner Ofcourseican (Mossman) and her half-sister Gimmethegreenlight (More Than Ready {USA}), winner of the G1 Kenilworth Queen’s Plate.

Bendigo Race 4, 2.45pm, Jayco H., $35,000, 1400m

Yulong Patrol (Ire) (Society Rock {Ire}) has an interesting background and is from an international family that has made its mark in this part of the world. The colt is out of Maiepomai (Ire) (Kalanisi {Ire}), who won twice in Italy, and is a half-sister to the stakes performer Monosillabo (Ire) (Daylami {Ire). Under the second dam are the G1 Australian Oaks winner Danendri (Danejhill {USA}) and the G1 VRC Oaks winner Faint Perfume (Shamardal {USA}).

Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace for Yulong, Yulong Patrol was a 42,0000 euro purchase at the Ireland Sportsman’s Sale following one unplaced run. He finished runner-up in his Australian debut before winning last time out at Stawell and looks capable of further progression.