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 like the prospects at Canterbury Park of a last-start runner-up to go one better and an expensive yearling making her first appearance while at The Valley we fancy the chances of a 3-year-old continuing his winning ways.
Canterbury Park, Race 2, 6.45pm, Cyren Bar Seafood Plate, $50,000, 1550m
Earth Song (Nicconi) kicked off her 3-year-old season in promising fashion at Newcastle where she came from last to run second. That was over 1200 metres and the way she finished off the race would suggest that a step up in distance can see her claim the major prize for trainer Chris Waller.
Earth Song as a yearling
A $105,000 Inglis Scone Yearling Sale buy, Earth Song is out of Brookton Flare (Strada), who was successful on three occasions, and she is a half-sister to the winner and multiple stakes placegetter Nieta (Nicconi). Under the second dam is Sincero (Umatilla {NZ}), winner of the G1 George Main S. and the G1 Stradbroke H.
Canterbury Park, Race 3, 7.15pm, Fastlane Karting Sprint, $50,000, 1200m
Ajaayeb (Snitzel) has a pedigree to be proud of and one that came with an $875,000 price tag at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. She is a half-sister to the G3 Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. winner Thyme For Roses (Redoute’s Choice) and they are out of the dual Group 3 winner Augusta Proud (More Than Ready {USA}).
Ajaayeb as a yearling
It is also the family of the G1 New Zealand Oaks winner She’s Country (Kenfair) and the speedier stakes winners Khulasaa (Epaulette), Taamer (General Nediym) and Bulbula (Shamardal {USA}). Ajaayeb has performed well at the trials with placings from both appearances and she will jump from a handy gate.
The Valley, Race 4, 8.00pm, Team Taylor Foundation H., $50,000, 1200m
Pristine Image (Ilovethiscity) was an encouraging third in his only appearance last season and opened his 3-year-old campaign in the best possible style when the chestnut broke his maiden. He is trained by Symon Wilde and a valuable pointer may be that Dean Yendall is sticking with this horse, having also won on stablemate and race rival Valley Of Hearts (Show A Heart).
Ilovethiscity, sire of Pristine Image
He is a son of the multiple winner and Group 3 performer Rapid Sensation (Success Express {USA}), who is out of a half-sister to the Listed Widden S. winner Momentaire (Marscay). The pedigree page also features the G1 Stradbroke H. winner Under The Louvre (Excellent Art {GB}) and the G2 Royal Sovereign S. winner Master Harry (Magic Albert).
