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, a pair of expensive yearlings appeal as strong winning chances at Canterbury Park and at Flemington a beautifully-related filly who was a last-start runner-up looks primed to go one better.
Canterbury Park, Race 1, 12.50pm, Sepoy @ Darley H., $50,000, 1250m
Sangria (I Am Invincible) had trialled well earlier this month so it was no surprise to see her replicate that on race day at Hawkesbury. She jumped smartly to sit on the pace and was far too strong over the closing 400 metres to win with authority. The ease of that performance suggested she can make her mark in a higher grade.
Sangria as a yearling
To be ridden by Tommy Berry again for Team Snowden, Sangria was a $650,000 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale buy and is a daughter of the stakes performer Quench The Thirst (Encosta de Lago). The dam is a sister to the G3 South Australia Fillies’ Classic winner Precious Lorraine their mother is a half-sister to the multiple Group 1 winner and champion sire Redoute’s Choice.
Canterbury Park, Race 2, 1.25pm, ANZ Bloodstock News H., $50,000, 1550m
Relucent (NZ) (Savabeel) was a NZ$300,000 purchase at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale and has made an encouraging start to his career. He has earned a cheque in his three appearances in Victoria and each time has found the line well. The step up in distance may now bring out the best in him.
Relucent (NZ) as a yearling
The 3-year-old is prepared by Chris Waller and is a three-quarter brother to the Group 1 winning siblings Diademe (NZ) (Savabeel) and Embellish (NZ). The pedigree also brings speed in the form of the former champion sprinter and two-time Group 1 winner Sacred Star (Flying Spur).
Flemington, Race 4, 2.45pm, Cup Week H., $50,000, 1000m
A three-quarter sister to the G1 Randwick Guineas winner Kementari, Varda (Lonhro) is a daughter of the dual Group 3 winner Wild Queen (Loup Sauvage {USA}) and she is a half-sister to the two-time Group 2 winner So Gorgeous (Brief Truce {USA}). She has in turn produced the G1 Golden Shaheen winner Sterling City and the G2 Tulloch S. winner Tipungwuti (Fusaichi Pegasus {USA}).
Lonhro, sire of Varda
Varda won on debut at Bendigo last season before she finished a creditable sixth in the G3 Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. The filly was then spelled and returned to run second at Sandown and an outing that should have her back to peak fitness. Damian Lane has ridden her in two of those three runs and will continue his association here.
