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 Thursday, we take a closer look at a pair of stablemates at Tamworth with Group 1 pedigrees to back their claims and at Bendigo we like the chances of a well-related filly on debut from Anthony Freedman’s in-form yard.
Tamworth Race 2, 12.50pm, Thread Effects Showcase Maiden, $30,000, 1400m
Egyptian Amulet (Zoustar) was a winner at the Scone trials before he made his first race day appearance at Dubbo. He was well-supported and over 1000 metres the 3-year-old made solid ground from the back of the field for fourth with an effort that indicated the step up to 1400 metres will be ideal.
Trained by Brett Cavanough for Cressfield, Egyptian Amulet is a son of the former champion sprinter Our Egyptian Raine (NZ) (Desert Sun {GB}), winner of the G1 Railway H. and a further three Group 2 events in Australia and multiple top-flight placings. Six of her foals, who have sold up to $700,000, to race have been successful and include the dual Group 3 winner Egyptian Symbol (Stratum) while the dam is also a half-sister to the Hong Kong stakes winner and Group 1 performer Egyptian Ra (NZ) (Woodborough {USA}).
Egyptian Amulet as a yearling
Tamworth Race 3, 1.25pm, Allsopp Signs H., $30,000, 1600m
Cavanough also looks to have a top prospect in Boom Gate (Casino Prince), who is coming off a smart performance to break his maiden at Musswellbrook. The 3-year-old’s only previous appearance was a debut third and with far fewer convictions than most in this line-up he makes strong appeal.
Boom Gate as a yearling
Boom Gate is a son of Cubana Moss (Mossman), who has a 100 per cent record at stud with all five of her foals to race winners. She is out of a sister to the G1 Toorak H. and G2 Bill Stutt S. winner Red Dazzler (Red Ransom {USA}) and the pedigree also includes the G1 Lightning S. winner and sire Keltrice (Kenmare {Fr}).
Geelong Race 1, 12.30pm, Bet365Fillies’ Plate, $35,000, 1300m
Anthony Freedman has enjoyed an outstanding season with the younger members of his stable this season, headed by the G1 Blue Diamond S. winner and G1 Golden Slipper S. placegetter Lyre (Lonhro) and his hot run may continue here with Cupid’s Bow (NZ) (Smart Missile). She has a quality pedigree and will be ridden by Clayton Douglas, who has a good strike rate for the stable.
Cupid’s Bow is a half-sister to Declarationofheart (Declaration Of War {USA}), winner of the G3 Chairman’s S. with their dam Cardiac (Encosta de Lago). Twice successful up to 1600 metres, she is a daughter of the French stakes performer Happy Heart (Fr) (Exit To Nowhere {USA}) who has also produced the G1 VRC Oaks winner Arapaho Miss (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) and in turn the dam of black type winner De Little Engine (Encosta de Lago).
