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 Saturday, we like the chances of a colt at Flemington from a strong black type family, a filly at Rosehill who is out to justify her $1 million price tag and at Wyong we’re siding with a 3-year-old from the family of the former champion performer Bounding Away (Biscay).
Flemington, Race 3, 1.30pm, Listed World Horse Racing Springtime S., $175,000, 1400m
Truffle House (Smart Missile) has made an encouraging start to his career with a debut win and he’s since acquitted himself well in stronger company. The colt was a last-start fifth in the G3 Red Anchor S. where he closed well after an awkward beginning.
Smart Missile, sire of Truffle House
The extra distance here will suit the $100,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, who is a son of Ocelot (Tale Of The Cat {USA}). She is a half-sister to Flying Fulton (Flying Spur), a black type winner in New Zealand and Singapore. The family also includes the Group 3 winners Zapurple (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and Taikun (Anabaa {USA}) and Purple Groove (Rhythm {USA), a black type winner and Group 1 performer.
Rosehill, Race 6, 3.55pm, Golden Gift, 1100m
Close To Me (I Am Invincible) was a well sought after filly at the Gold Coast Sale and sold for $1 million. She is a daughter of Rose Of Choice (Choisir), winner of the Listed Jungle Dawn Classic and twice placed at Group 3 level.
I Am Invincible, sire of Close To Me
The second dam Rose Of Dane (Danehill {USA}) won the Listed Summoned S. and finished runner-up in the G1 Karrakatta Plate and the pedigree also features the G2 Greyville Gold Bracelet winner Razzle Dazzle Rose (SAF) (Jet Master (SAF). Rose Of Choice was well-backed when a close fifth on debut and with that run and experience under her belt she seems sure to be more competitive this time around.
Wyong, Race 3, 1.34pm, Happy 18th Sarah Darbin Maiden, $35,000, 1400m
Frosty Rocks (Your Song) makes a fresh start here and has been a trial winner at Warwick Farm in his lead-up. The colt placed in strong company from a handful of starts last preparation and from the inside gate he is presented with a grand opportunity to post the first win of his career.
Frosty Rocks as a yearling
A $140,000 Gold Coast graduate, Frosty Rocks is a son of Virtual Velocity (Galileo {Ire}) with the second dam a three-quarter sister to the former Australian Horse of the Year and multiple Group 1 winner Bounding Away (Biscay). Other family members include the G1 Flight S. winner Speak Fondly (Northern Meteor) and the G1 Doomben Cup winner Kenedna (Not A Single Doubt).
