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 look at a Peter and Paul Snowden-trained colt on debut and a lightly-tried filly for Team Hawkes at Canterbury Park and at The Valley we like the chances of a well-related youngster from Lindsay Park.
Canterbury Park, Race 1, 6.15pm, The Agency Real Estate H., $50,000, 1200m
Aftermath (Spirit Of Boom) is bred for speed and he’s already showed his pace with two trial wins and a couple of placings from four preparatory outings. The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained colt has drawn a handy gate and in the hands of Tim Clark looks poised to give a bold account on debut.
Aftermath as a yearling
A $170,000 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale graduate, Aftermath is a son of Elusive Gift (NZ) (Elusive City {USA}) and she was a 2-year-old winner herself. The mare is from the family of the former champion colt, multiple Group 1 winners and successful sires Canny Lad and Sepoy, G1 Golden Rose S. winner Bivouac (Exceed And Excel) and the G1 ATC Sires’ Produce S. winners Camarilla (Elusive Quality {USA}) and Guelph (Exceed And Excel).
Canterbury Park, Race 2, Iron Jack Plate, $50,000, 1250m
Astralis (Sebring) was a $450,000 buy at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and she is a half-sister to the South African Group 2 winner Mella Maria (Star Witness) and a sister to the stakes performer Argentina. Their dam is the two-time winner and G2 Angus Armanasco S. runner-up Sayahailmary (Keep The Faith).
From the family of the Inglis 2YO Premier winner Valliano (Equiano {Fr}), Astralis has been lightly-raced by Team Hawkes and returned from a break over this course and distance earlier this month to finish second on a heavy surface. She should be better suited on top of the ground and with Tommy Berry to guide her fortunes the filly looks well-placed to go one better.
Astralis as a yearling
The Valley, Race 1, 7.00pm, Lesley McPhee Memorial, $60,000, 1200m
Palacio Musico (Snitzel) was a $500,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase and is a half-brother to the multiple winner and Group 2 performer Palazzo Vecchio (Fastnet Rock). Their dam Palacio De Cristal (Encosta De Lago) was a talented mare who won five races with two at Group 2 level and was Group 1 placed.
She is out of the G1 Queensland Oaks winner Crystal Palace (NZ) (Palace Music {USA}), who is a sister to the multiple Group 1 winner Naturalism (NZ). Palacio Musico has been out twice for Lindsay Park and was fourth on debut before finishing second at Geelong. The colt has a wide draw to contend with, but if a slice of luck goes his way he can open his account.
Snitzel, sire of Palacio Musico | Standing at Arrowfield Stud
