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 Tuesday, we fancy a couple of lightly-tried maiden contenders at Taree from the respective stables of Kris Lees and Jason Deamer and at Terang a Henry Dwyer-prepared novice looks a strong chance to post the first winning strike of his brief career.
Taree, Race 1, 12.40pm, tab.com.au Maiden, $22,000, 1007m
Hibern (Wandjina) is a half-sister to the Listed Macau Derby winner Big Alloy (Foxwedge) with their dam Berna (Bernardini {USA}) is a half-sister to the G3 Frederick Clissold S. winner Alert Me (Genghiz {USA}) and to the G3 Newmarket H. winner Techniques (NZ) (Palace Music {USA}).
Hibern as a yearling
It is also the family of the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas winner Ugo Foscolo (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) and the stakes winners Given (Canny Lad) and her son Green Roller (Flying Spur). Trained by Kris Lees, Hibern has placed in both of her starts and from the inside gate over this dash for the cash, she has a golden opportunity to break through.
Taree, Race 2, 1.15pm, Stacks Law Firm Maiden, $22,000, 1614m
Genghis Khan (NZ) (Cape Blanco {Ire}) did well to finish fifth in his only appearance at Avondale where he missed the jump and was forced three wide throughout, prior to his relocation to Jason Deamer’s Newcastle stable.
Cape Blanco (Ire), sire of Genghis Khan (NZ)
He is a half-brother to five winners, including Mongolianconqueror (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}), who was runner-up in both the G1 New Zealand Derby and the G2 Waikato Guineas. They are sons of Queen Rania (NZ) (The Jogger {USA}) and she hails from the potent family of the multiple Group 1 winner Tuesday Joy (Carnegie {Ire}) and her outstanding daughter More Joyous (More Than Ready {USA}).
Terang, Race 4, TAC Towards Zero Maiden, $23,000, 1000m
A $120,000 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale buy for trainer Henry Dwyer, Elegist (Bel Esprit) is out of Missgoblet (Choisir), who was successful on three occasions up to 1300 metres. She is a half-sister to the G3 Cockram S. winner Lady Melksham (Artie Schiller {USA}) and the stakes performer Poised To Win (More Than Ready {USA}).
Elegist as a yearling
Also featuring on the pedigree page is the Listed Challenge Plate winner and G1 South Australian Oaks placegetter Pipkin (Gallo di Ferro {USA}). Elegist has improved with each of his outings and was a solid last-start fourth at Pakenham from the outside gate. He has again drawn a wide barrier, but scratchings have helped his cause and with a little luck he can be right in the mix in what looks a modest line-up.
