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 focus on the chances at Nowra of a half-sister to a Group 1 winner from Bjorn Baker's stable while at the Ballarat meeting we like an in-form filly from Lindsay Park and a Patrick Payne-trained mare whose first-up effort suggested she too can open her winning account.
Nowra, Race 2, 2.10pm, Kinghorn Motors Maiden, $22,000, 1100m
Bjorn Baker looks to have found the ideal race to add winning momentum to the fledgling career of Modernity (Foxwedge). She placed in both of her starts last campaign and following a spell the 4-year-old has been a trial winner at Hawkesbury in the hands of Brandon Lerena, who takes the mount again.
Foxwedge, sire of Modernity
Modernity is a half-sister to the G1 Champagne S. winner Onemorenomore (Red Ransom {USA}), the dual stakes winner Dr Green (Fusaichi Pegasus {USA}) and to the dam of the G3 Cambridge Breeders’ S. winner Vigor Winner (Declaration Of War {USA}). They are out of Palia (Last Tycoon {Ire}), who won the G3 Emancipation S. and she is a half-sister to the dam of the G1 Chipping Norton S. winner and sire Casino Prince and the family of the G1 Krisflyer Sprint winner Green Birdie (Catbird).
Ballarat, Race 1, 1.20pm, Whitford Liquor Waste Maiden, $35,000, 1400m
Alasaayel (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}) looks a decent chance to strike a winning blow here for the Lindsay Park team. The filly was freshened following a debut fifth and returned to finish a sound third earlier this month. She should undoubtedly strip fitter for this assignment and in the hands of Michael Dee should prove ultra-competitive.
Medaglia d'Oro, sire of Alasaayel
She is a daughter of Bulbula (Shamardal {USA}), who was more than handy and won the Listed Merson Cooper S. and collected multiple Group 3 placings. The dam is a half-sister to the G3 Thoroughbred Breeders S. winner Khulaasa (Epaulette) and the G1 New Zealand Oaks winner She’s Country (Kenfair) also comes from this family.
Ballarat, Race 2, 1.55pm, Cheap As Chips Maiden, $35,000, 1200m
Lady Marizza (Artie Schiller {USA}) is out of the unraced Ritzzbar (Anabaa {USA}) and is a half-sister to the G2 Royal S. winner Buckle My Shoe (Rory’s Jester) and the black type winner Princess Marizza (Scenic {Ire}) with their dam Rose Of Marizza (NZ) (Nassipour {USA}), twice successful at Listed level.
Artie Schiller, sire of Lady Marizza
Trainer Patrick Payne has given Lady Marizza plenty of time to develop and the 4-year-old made an encouraging start to her career when she found the line well to run fourth at Warrnambool. Billy Egan was in the saddle and he takes the ride again and from a handy gate they can make their presence felt in this line-up.
