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 Sunday, we believe a European pedigree will be to the fore at Grafton, a filly from the family of the grand mare Horlicks (NZ) (Three Legs {GB}) has our eye at Pakenham where we also fancy the chances of a filly out of a North American 2-year-old Group winner.
Grafton Race 4, 1.20pm, Holiday Coast H., $22,000, 1010m
A smart international pedigree will be on display when Ashman (Magnus) resumes here for trainer Matthew Dunn. The 3-year-old is a half-brother to two multiple winners with their dam Ashamika (Fr) (Linamix {Fr}), who was successful up to 1500 metres. She is a sister to the G2 Newmarket Pride S. and G2 Prix de Malleret winner Ashalanda (Fr) and a half-sister to the European stakes winner Ashlan (Fr) (Dansili {GB}). It’s also the family of the G1 San Diego H. winner and successful sire Quiet American (USA).
Ashman finished runner-up in his first appearance at Ballina and then led all the way to go one better at Lismore. He was ridden both times by Robbie Fradd, who partnered him in a recent trial and takes the mount again.
Pakenham Race 1, 12.25pm, racing.com Maiden, $23,000, 1400m
Recognise (Zoustar) was a $340,000 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale purchase and is a half-sister to the G1 Queensland Derby winner Mr Quickie (Shamus Award). They are out of Special Favour (General Nediym), who is a daughter of the multiple Group 2 winner My Tusker (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}). The third dam is the five-time Group 1 winner and Japan Cup heroine Horlicks (NZ) (Three Legs {GB}) and mother of the G1 Melbourne Cup winner Brew (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}).
Trained by Tony McEvoy, Recognise was given a break after she finished fifth at Geelong first time out in the summer. She turned in a tidy trial on this course, which indicates she is ready to fire and from a handy gate will be given every opportunity by Jye McNeil.
Recognise as a yearling
Pakenham Race 3, 1.45pm, John McDuff Maiden, $23,000, 1100m
Rockness Angel (Fastnet Rock) appeals as a filly to follow when she makes her return here with Stephen Baster in the saddle. The filly was unplaced in her summer debut and was then turned out, but looks to have come back well and a trial placing suggests she can race up to her pedigree.
Rockness Angel as a yearling
A $220,000 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale buy for Lindsay Park, she is out of the G3 Hollywood Juvenile Championship S. winner Necessary Evil (USA) (Harlan’s Holiday {USA}). She is a half-sister to the dam of the G3 Cornwallis S. winner Sergei Prokofiev (Can) (Scat Daddy {USA}) and the family also features the G1 Belmont Matron S. winner Over All (SUA) (Mr Prospector {USA}).
