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, Kris Lees debuts a couple of very well-bred runners at Scone and Coffs Harbour, while a lightly-tried youngster from Lindsay Park looks a strong chance at Pakenham.
Scone Race 1, 12:15pm AEST, Kris Lees Racing Mdn, $22,000, 1100m
Steady Star (NZ) (Zoustar) was a $200,000 buy at the 2017 NZB Premier Yearling Sale as the first foal of stakes-winner Misstrum (Stratum), who is the half-sister to Cinecitta (Exceed And Excel). She in turn is the dam of John Moore's promising Hong Kong sprinter Thanks Forever (Duporth). The second dam is the stakes-winning juvenile Malagra Miss (Barathea {Ire}).
Trainer Kris Lees targets his own race here with a gelding who has had two trials this preparation, finishing a close-up third at Newcastle at his most recent hitout.
Steady Star as a yearling
Coffs Harbour Race 2, 12:35pm AEST, Rheem Shwocase Mdn, $30,000, 1200m
Lees takes Ragnor (Snitzel) to Coffs Harbour for his debut. He is the full brother to G1 Cox Plate winner and current Rosemont and former Widden resident Shamus Award. He has been retained to race by his breeder Bob Hannon of Ascot Park after he was withdrawn from the 2017 Easter Sale. The dam Sunset Express (Success Express {USA}), a five-time winner herself, has had six foals to race for six winners.
Snitzel, sire of Ragnor
As is typical, Lees has given him a couple of trials headed into his first race. The latest saw him close-up behind Front Sight (Smart Missile), who performed well in a strong midweek race at Warwick Farm on Wednesday. He gets the inside alley for jockey Anthony Allen.
Pakenham Synthetic Race 1, 11.55am AEST, Racing.com Maiden, $35,000, 1100m
Miss Scalini (Magnus) struck a testing surface first time out and she sat on the pace and boxed on gamely to finish fourth. A better surface is expected to enhance her chances and with the benefit of a run under her belt the filly looks a strong chance in Michael Dee’s hands.
Trained by David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig, Miss Scalini is out of a half-sister to the Group 3 winning siblings Princess Of Queens (Magnus) and Prince Of Brooklyn and their brother Duke Of Brooklyn was also stakes placed. The third dam is the four-time Group 1 winner Research (Imperial Prince {Ire}), whose exploits earned her an Australian Horse of the Year title.
