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 a promising staying 3-year-old and a filly on the verge of breaking her maiden at Goulburn while at Geelong a half-sister to the Group 1 winner from a potent international family has our attention.
Goulburn Race 6, 3.05pm, Storage King H., $22,000, 2120m
The Bounty (So You Think {NZ}) is shaping as a bright staying prospect for Michael and Richard Freedman. The 3-year-old was up to a middle distance early in his career to triumph last time out at Bathurst and achieved it in a style which strongly suggested he can continue his winning ways in a higher grade.
He is out of That’s Leila (Street Sense {USA}) and has also produced the multiple winner Hermosa Reward (Reward For Effort). The dam is a daughter of the G1 Canterbury Guineas winner Fine Society (Marscay) and is a half-sister to the G2 South African Derby winner and multiple Group 1 placegetter Silverpoint (Woodman {USA}).
So You Think, sire of The Bounty
Goulburn Race 7, 3.40pm, Wedding/Functions Training Maiden, $22,000, 1600m
She’s Ideel (Dundeel {NZ}) is a half-sister to the G1 Herbie Dyke S. placegetter Elusive Treasure (Northern Meteor) with their dam the multiple winner Ana’s Mail (Anabaa {USA}). She’s a half-sister to the G3 Wellington S. winner and G1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. runner-up Shanzero (Danzero) and the Listed Doveton S. winner What’s The Mail (Flying Spur). It’s also the family of the G1 Brisbane Cup winner Danestorm (Danehill {USA}).
She's Ideel as a yearling
Trained by Bjorn Baker, She’s Ideel was runner-up on this course on debut and then did a solid job to run fourth at Scone from the outside gate. She has drawn in close this time and the step up to a mile should be ideal at this stage of the filly’s career.
Geelong Race 1, 11.55am, bet365 2YO Maiden, $35,000, 1240m
Sacred Valley (Fastnet Rock) was a NZ$725,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale purchase and is a sister to the G1 Levin Classic winner Age Of Fire. Their dam Dragon’s Tail (Galileo {Ire}) is an unraced half-sister to the G1 Lockinge S. winner Fly To The Stars (GB) (Bluebird {USA}) and the Listed Ascot Silver Trophy winner Fallen Star (GB) (Brief Truce {USA}). It’s also the family of the European Group winner Glorious Journey (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Loving Things (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) and Peace At Last (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}).
Sacred Valley as a yearling
Trained at Lindsay Park, Sacred Valley had two unplaced runs at the trials before she went to Werribee last month and won her 800 metre heat. She was ridden by Ben Allen, who takes the mount again and from the inside draw she’ll get every opportunity to run up to her rich pedigree.
