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.
Sunday’s racing features high-priced yearling purchases on debut at Mornington, an intriguing 2-year-old race at the Sunshine Coast, and a promising and well-related filly across the Tasman.
Mornington, Race 2, 1:40pm, Modtech Plate, $35,000, 1200m
First-starter Grand Admiral (Snitzel) was a $1.6 million purchase from the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He is a full-brother to the Group 1 winner and sire Sizzling (Snitzel), both being out of the stakes-placed mare Admirelle (General Nediym).
Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace for owners Aquis Farm, Phoenix Thoroughbred, Yu Long Investments, New South Wales Pastoral Company, Grand Admiral finished third in his only trial at Cranbourne on November 11. He will be ridden by Ben Allen in Sunday’s debut appearance.
Snitzel, sire of Grand Admiral
Two other first-starters in this field were $700,000 yearling purchases.
Alkaamel (Sebring) was purchased out of the 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. He is a son of the G1 Myer Classic winner Bonaria (Redoute’s Choice), who is a half-sister to Legally Bay (Snippets) – a multiple stakes winner and dam of the dual Group 1 winner and bright sire prospect Merchant Navy (Fastnet Rock)
. Alkaamel is trained by David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig. He will be ridden by Jamie Kah.
Zsa Zsa G’zel (Snitzel) was also secured at the 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. She is a half-sister to four stakes winners, headed by the Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed Bella Martini (Stratum) and Group 2 winner Upbeat (Strategic).
Dam Silverbeat (Distant Music {USA}) placed in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview and is a half-sister to the Group 3 winner and G1 Goodwood H. placegetter Any Rhythm (Western Symphony).
Ben Thompson will ride the Jason Warren-trained Zsa Zsa G’zel, who won a trial at Tatura on December 10.
Sunshine Coast, Race 1, 1:20pm, Phelan Ready QTIS 2YO H., $21,000, 1200m
Queen Sweeper (Rich Enuff) is out of the dual Group 3 winner Zilzie (NZ) (Generous {Ire}) and is a half-sister to the stakes performers Banda Spice (Show a Heart) and Orient Line (Show a Heart).
She comes from the first 2-year-old crop of Rich Enuff, who has been represented by three placegetters from six runners to date.
Placed at the trials in early December, Queen Sweeper had support on debut at Doomben on December 13 and finished a creditable third. Larry Cassidy will take the ride on Sunday for trainer Stuart Kendrick.
Rich Enuff, sire of Queen Sweeper
Fellow first-season sire Spill the Beans has dual representation in this race in the form of multiple placegetter Way Beyond and the recent trials placegetter Bangers and Mayo.
Spill the Beans has already sired the winner Tennessee Boy, and he sits in second place behind Pride Of Dubai on the Australian first season sire standings.
New Plymouth, Race 5, 12:53pm, Atlas Professionals H., $10,000, 1600m
The rose-and-violet colours of Dr Gene Tsoi have been carried by some quality performers, including Group 1 winners Elegant Fashion (Danewin) and King’s Rose (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice). One that might be worth keeping an eye on is the up-and-coming 3-year-old filly White Hibiscus (Animal Kingdom).
Her dam is Bianca (NZ) (Painted Black {Jpn}), who won four stakes races including the G3 Newcastle Gold Cup and placed in the G1 Metropolitan H. She is the dam of five winners from six foals to race.
White Hibiscus as a yearling
White Hibiscus produced a huge finishing burst to place on debut at New Plymouth on November 1, then returned to the same venue for a comfortable maiden win on December 5.
She will line up at New Plymouth again on Sunday, with Craig Grylls in the saddle for trainer Mark Forbes. White Hibiscus holds a nomination for the G1 New Zealand Oaks at Trentham
