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 richly-bred colt making his first appearance on the Kensington track while at Caulfield a first-up winner from the family of the great Zabeel (NZ) is poised to strike again. Finally at the Gold Coast, we’re in the corner of a 2-year-old who is expected to show sharp improvement on a debut third.
Kensington, Race 1, 1.15pm, Hyland Race Colours H., $125,000, 1150m
Formentera (I Am Invincible) was secured at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $520,000 and is out of the unraced Al Maher mare Eimhis. While she is a half-sister to the triple Group 1 winning stayer County Tyrone (Danewin), there is still plenty of speed in this pedigree.
Formentera as a yearling
It is the family of the former champion female sprinter and dual Group 1 winner Samaready (More Than Ready {USA}), dam of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Exhilarates (Exceed And Excel). Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Formentera won his most recent trial at Randwick and from an inside gate looks set to give a bold account on debut.
Caulfield, Race 1, 12.55pm, Cathie Ireland H., $135,000, 1100m
Golden George (Mossman) is a half-brother to four winners with their dam Flying Gigi (Flying Spur) out of a half-sister to the Group 1 winner and champion sire Zabeel (NZ). She is also a sister to the G1 Australian Guineas winner Baryshnikov (Kenmare {Fr}) and the two-time Group 1 winner and sire Hallowed Crown is another feature name in the pedigree.
Golden George as a yearling
Trained by Robert Hickmott, Golden George was a $230,000 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale buy and he provided an early return when he came from the outside gate for an effortless win first time out at Bendigo. That performance gave a strong indicator that the 3-year-old can make his mark in a higher grade and from a handy draw looks set to prove that point.
Gold Coast, Race 3, 2.08pm, Aquis Gold Pearl, $125,000, 1100m
Lopez (Zoustar) was beaten as a short-priced favourite when she made her first appearance on this course last month and it may pay to follow the money. The filly went back from the outside gate and made solid ground for third and from a better draw she will enjoy a less taxing run.
Lopez as a yearling
Trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, Lopez was a $500,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale graduate and is the first foal to race for Fancy Feet (Fath {USA}). She won the G3 Strickland S. and is out of a half-sister to the G3 Tattersall’s Cup winner Captain Test (Dehere {USA}). It is also the family of the Group 1 winners and sires Blevic and Universal Ruler, whose sister Universal Queen (Scenic {Ire}) claimed an edition of the G1 Robert Sangster S.
