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 Wednesday, we have identified three well-related debutants who can make their presence felt at Randwick Kensington and the Sunshine Coast Poly Track respectively.
Randwick Kensington, Race 1, 12.15pm AEST, TAB H., $50,000, 1100m
Oriental Tycoon, 2-year-old colt (Written Tycoon x Noondie {Flying Spur})
The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Oriental Tycoon looks ready to run a bold race on debut after a convincing trial victory over 1045 metres at Randwick on May 2.
Sam Clipperton, who rode Oriental Tycoon in his most recent trial, will take mount from barrier six of 11.
Oriental Tycoon as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
A $620,000 2021 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale Purchase by Iron and George Moore Bloodstock, Oriental Tycoon is out of the winning Noondie, making him a brother to G1 Oakleigh Plate winner Booker and the stakes-winning Banquo, who now stands at Waikato Stud.
Noondie herself is out of a stakes winner and is a half-sister to the Listed-winning, Group 3-placed Tranquility (Redoute’s Choice).
Randwick-Kensington, Race 2, 12.50pm AEST, Hyland Race Colours H., $50,000, 1100m
Lucky Variety, 2-year-old filly (Capitalist x Magic Harmony {Danehill Dancer {Ire}})
The Kris Lees-trained Lucky Variety is forward enough to figure on debut after catching the eye when winning her most recent trial at Beaumont.
Hugh Bowman has been booked to ride and will partner Lucky Variety from barrier two of 13.
A $260,000 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase by Tasman Bloodstock, Lucky Variety is out of the Listed-placed Magic Harmony, making her a half-sister to the Group 3-winning Charmed Harmony (Hussonet {USA}) and Suyoof (Magic Albert).
Lucky Variety as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Lucky Variety is also a half-sister to the dam of the Group 3-winning Minhaaj (Exceed And Excel).
G1 Golden Slipper S. heroine Overreach (Exceed And Excel) and her G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts and Geldings)-winning son Lofty Strike (Snitzel) feature in the first generation of this pedigree.
Sunshine Coast Poly Track, Race 3, 1.08pm AEST, Ipswich Cup Tix On Sale QTIS 2YO H., $35,000, 1100m
Ring Of Steel, 2-year-old colt (I Am Invincible x Sweet Kiss {Strada})
The Kelly Schweida-trained Ring Of Steel looks superbly placed for his debut outing here after a solid trial over 840 metres at Doomben last month.
A rider is yet to be noted for Ring Of Steel but regardless of who takes mount expect the talented colt to make his presence felt if they can secure an economical run from barrier seven of eight.
Ring Of Steel as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
A $400,000 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase by Kelly Schweida Racing, Ring Of Steel is is out of the R. Listed Inglis Nursery-placed Sweet Kiss, making him a half-brother to G1 JJ Atkins Plate runner-up Gotta Kiss (Not A Single Doubt).
While Sweet Kiss’ progeny have performed in the sales ring she doesn’t boast the strongest pedigree, with no stakes winners featuring in the first three generations.
Looking Back
Our first selection, Sacred Alba (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) finished third in the fourth race at Goulburn while our second selection, Fort Jefferson (American Pharoah {USA}) finished second last in the following event at Goulburn.
Our final selection, Velvet Haze (Spieth {NZ}) was victorious on debut at Port Macquarie.
