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 like the chances of an Andrew Williams purchase that starts at Eagle Farm, at Moruya we have our eyes on the fourth foal out of a dual Group 1 winner, while at Pakenham we are in the corner of a Ciaron Maher and David Eustace debutant.
Eagle Farm, Race 6, 4.33pm AEST, Mount Franklin Class 3 H., $35,000, 1400m
Astralis (Sebring) was a $450,000 purchase by Twin Palms Stud and Andrew Williams Bloodstock at the 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Widden Stud and is the fifth foal out of dual stakes placegetter Sayahailmary (Keep The Faith).
Astralis as a yearling
Sayahailmary has also produced South African Grade 2 winner Mella Maria (Star Witness) and stakes placegetter Argentina (Sebring) and is closely related to R. Listed Inglis 2YO Premier winner Valliano (Equiano {Fr}).
Moruya, Race 7, 4.45pm AEDT, North Ryde RSL Showcase Moruya Cup, $75,300, 1435m
Purchased by Laurel Oak Bloodstock for $250,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Amarina Farm, Rockarosa (Pierro) is the fourth foal out of G1 Thousand Guineas and G1 Schweppes Oaks winner Gallica (Redoute’s Choice).
Rockarosa as a yearling
Gallica is also responsible for G2 Sandown Guineas third Valanetti (Sebring) and is out of Swing Queen (USA) (Kingmambo {USA}), who is a half-sister to European stakes winners Masterful (USA) (Danzig {USA}), River Rhythm (USA) (Riverman {USA}) and Corviglia (USA) (Cresta Rider {USA}).
Pakenham, Race 4, 7.30pm AEDT, John Duff & Co Mdn Plate, $35,000, 1400m
Making his debut for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Through Irish Eyes (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), was purchased for NZ$150,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale from the draft of Henley Park.
Through Irish Eyes (NZ) as a yearling
He is the fifth foal out of G3 South Australia Fillies' Classic winner Zapurple (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), who also placed in the G2 Autumn Classic and was fourth in the G1 Schweppes Oaks. Zapurple is also responsible for Listed Taj Rossi Series Final runner-up Anchor Bid (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}) and is out of stakes winner and Group 1 performer Purple Groove (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}).
