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 like the chances at Wyong of a couple of lightly-tried maidens with rich pedigrees to back their claims while at Geelong a filly with Danny O’Brien appeals as a strong winning prospect.
Wyong Race 1, 12.50pm Happy 50th Birthday Fiona Maiden, $35,000, 1600m
Sebonna (Sebring) was a $250,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale buy and is a son of Epona Princess (Fastnet Rock), a dual winner as a 2-year-old and was stakes placed. She is a half-sister to the former champion New Zealand juvenile and G1 Diamond S. winner Warhorse (General Nediym) and the family of the dual Group 2 winner and sire California Dane.
Sebonna as a yearling
Trained by Kim Waugh, Sebonna has taken time and was runner-up on debut last month before finishing fourth at Newcastle. He made up ground to be less than two lengths off the winner and the step up to 1600 metres will be in his favour.
Wyong 2, 1.25pm, Tuggerah Maiden, $35,000, 1100m
Sethlans (Lonhro) gave an excellent account of himself when third at his first appearance and was close up when sixth at Newcastle at his following outing. Brenton Avdulla retains the ride on the Godolphin 4-year-old and with a couple of runs under his belt he looks primed for a breakthrough performance.
Lonhro, sire of Sethlans | Standing at Darley
The 4-year-old is a half-brother to the G2 Great Northern Guineas winner Knight’s Tour (Reset) with their dam the Machiavellian (USA) mare Hestia (GB). She is a half-sister to the G2 Ribblesdale S. winner Flying Cloud (Ire) (Storming Home {GB}) and hails from the family of the champion 2-year-old, G1 Golden Slipper S. winner and successful sire Pierro.
Geelong Race 1, 12.30pm, bet365 SV 3YO Fillies’ Maiden, $35,000, 1300m
Stay Gold (Toorak Toff) is a sister to the stakes winner Iconoclasm with their dam the multiple Group 3 winner and G1 South Australian Oaks placegetter Gold Lottey (Encosta de Lago). She is a sister to the G3 Research S. winner Besame Mucho, who has produced a pair of black type winners.
Toorak Toff, sire of Stay Gold | Standing at Rosemont Stud
Stay Gold is trained by Danny O’Brien and finished runner-up at Ballarat at the first time of asking in the autumn before a break. Damian Lane rode the filly on that occasion and he will again take the mount and this looks an ideal opportunity for her to open her winning account.
