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 Wednesday, we’re looking forward to well-bred debut runners for Chris Waller and James Cummings making an impact at Warwick Farm and a filly at Sale for Mick Price and Michael Kent to star on the closing day of the season.
Warwick Farm Race 1, 12.50, Everest Carnival Plate, $50,000, 1300m
Miyake (Deep Impact {Jpn}) brings his impressive pedigree to the races for the first time and will be a major source on interest. The colt’s dam Star Fashion was the winner of the G3 Ladies’ Day Vase and finished runner-up in the G1 Schweppes Oaks. She is out of the three-time Australian Group 2 winner Elegant Fashion (Danewin), who enjoyed a decorated career in Hong Kong where she was a Derby winner.
Trainer Chris Waller has given Miyake three runs at the trials to ready him for his debut and he’s coped with wet and dry tracks. He has drawn perfectly in gate one and will be the mount of the in-form Brenton Avdulla.
Warwick Farm Race 2, 1.25, Harry Angel @ Darley H., $50,000, 1100m
Sethlans (Lonhro) is a half-brother to four winners, including Knight’s Tour, who was successful in the G2 Great Northern Guineas. They hail from a strong international family with their dam Hestia (GB) (Machiavellian {USA}) a half-sister to the G2 Ribblesdale S. winner Flying Cloud (Ire) (Storming Home {GB}). It’s also the family of the multiple Group 1 winner and leading sire Pierro and the G1 Prix d’Ispahan winner Laverock (Ire) (Octagonal {NZ}).
Lonhro, sire of Sethlans
Trained by James Cummings, Sethlans trialled before Christmas and was then put aside to develop. He looks to have benefitted from that spell and placed in both of his lead-up trials ahead of his first race day appearance in the hands of Hugh Bowman.
Sale Race 1, 11,25am, Laurels Function Centre 2YO, $35,000, 1205m
Ragnars Bride (Brazen Beau) was a $210,000 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale purchase and is a half-sister to the Listed Wayne Wilson Plate winner Vinland (Sebring). Their dam Viking Turf Belle (Elusive Quality {USA}) won five times and was Group 2 placed. She is out of a half-sister to the dam of the South African Group 2 winner Mella Maria (Star Witness) and to the Inglis Premier 2YO winner Valliano (Equiano {Fr}).
Ragnars Bride as a yearling
From the stable of Mick Price and Michael Kent, Ragnars Bride hasn’t been to any official trials, but the stable is sure to have her ready. A handy gate and the engagement of Damien Oliver adds further confidence in the filly’s prospects.
