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 Friday, we concentrate our efforts on the night meeting at The Valley where we like a maiden contender from a potent Group 1 family, a lightly-raced 3-year-old who has already added performance to his pedigree and a past course and distance winner dropping back in grade.
The Valley, Race 2, 6.30pm, Daemco Plate, $50,000, 1600m
Heljami (Written Tycoon) is a half-sister to the 2-year-old winner and Inglis Banner placegetter Lessyd (Statue Of Liberty {USA}) and they are out of the unraced Miss Chard (Al Samer). She is a sister to the G3 Carbine Club S. winner Mr Chard and their dam is a half-sister to the stakes winner Cool Trent (Nediym {Ire}).
Written Tycoon, sire of Heljami
It is the family of the former champion 2-year-old and successful sire Canny Lad and the Group 1 winners Bivouac (Exceed And Excel), Camarena (Danehill {USA}), Camarilla (Elusive Quality {USA}) and Guelph (Exceed And Excel). Heljami has been more than respectable in both of her runs, finishing in behind the major players on both occasions, and the step up to 1600 metres might be just what she needs to break through.
The Valley, Race 3, 7.00pm, Ranvet H., $50,000, 1200m
It’sayesfromme (Dundeel {NZ}) is a lightly-raced colt who was purchased at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $115,000. He is out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Vocalise, who was a winner and placed at Group 2 level and she’s out of a half-sister to the multiple Group 1 winner Serenade Rose (Stravinsky {USA}).
It’sayesfromme as a yearling
The family also includes the G1 Stradbroke H. winner Trekking (Street Cry {Ire}) so there’s plenty to like about It’sayesfromme on pedigree. Her form is also encouraging and he was a winner last season and finished runner-up at Kyneton in his 3-year-old debut. With the benefit of that outing, the inside gate and an apprentice allowance he looks well-placed to go one better.
The Valley, Race 7, 9.00pm, Simpson Construction H., $50,000, 1600m
Play Me Now (NZ) (Bernardini {USA}) finished sixth when resuming in a much stronger race and while he does go up in weight, Liam Riordan’s 2kg will help his cause. Also in his favour is that he has already won over this course and distance.
Bernardini (USA), sire of Play Me Now (NZ)
Trained by Cindy Alderson, Play Me Now is a half-brother to the Listed Metropolitan winner and Group 1 performer Dee And Gee (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}). They are out of Gabana (NZ) (Jungle Pocket {Ire}), a half-sister to the black type winner Richracer (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) whose three foals to race have all been successful. The second dam is a half-sister to the G1 New Zealand S. winner Armstrong (NZ) (Classic Fame {USA}) and the dual Group 3 winner Spiritual Star (NZ) (Shearwalk {Ire}).
