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 look at a pair of well-credentialled first-starters at the Bendigo meeting and at Tamworth a Paul Messara-trained filly has caught our eye.
Bendigo Race 1, 11.40am, Girls Day Out 11 August Maiden, $35,000, 1300m
Trainer Anthony Freedman has had an outstanding year with his juveniles and Heirborn (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) has the pedigree to suggest his run may continue with this youngster. He was a $125,000 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale purchase for the Mornington conditioner.
Heirborn (NZ) as a yearling
Heirborn is a half-brother to the Listed Anniversary Vase winner and multiple Group 2 placegetter Naantali (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) and their dam Zaloot (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) has also produced the stakes performer Choix de Maia (Choisir). Zaloot is a half-sister to the G2 Royal Sovereign S. winner and G1 Canterbury Guineas runner-up Flying Pegasus (Fusaichi Pegasus {USA}) and they are out of Cashier (Danehill {USA}), winner of the G2 Silver Shadow S.
Bendigo Race 3, 12.45pm, BRB Electrical Maiden, $35,000, 1100m
The aptly-named Rutherford (Foxwedge) is a son of Nuclear Force (Encosta de Lago), the winner of six races and also the dam of the dual Group 3 winner Defcon (Choisir). It’s also the family of New Smyrna (Rancho Ruler), another two-time Group 3 winner, and the G1 VRC Oaks and G1 Thousand Guineas winner Rom’s Stiletto (Sharp Edge {Ire}).
Rutherford is trained at Cranbourne by Robbie Griffiths and looked sharp at the trials when he stepped out at Casterton where he won his 800 metres heat. Importantly, the colt has drawn an inside gate in a capacity field and looks like he could offer each-way value in an open affair.
Tamworth Race 6, 3.24pm, IAH – Bioworma – Showcase H., $30,000, 1400m
Emanuela (Animal Kingdom {USA}) has made an encouraging start to her fledgling career and broke her maiden at Muswellbrook earlier this year. She followed up with a placing before a break and finished runner-up in the latest of her trials to indicate her readiness to return to action.
Emanuela as a yearling
Trained by Paul Messara, Emanuela is a daughter of the winner and Group performer Miss Bellezza (Flying Spur), a half-sister to the G1 VRC Derby winner Amalfi (Carnegie {Ire}). The pedigree also includes the G2 Hawke’s B ay Guineas winner and Group 1 performer Antonio Lombardo (NZ) (Pins) and the dual Group 3 winner Master Of Arts (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}).
