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 Sunday, we have found a couple of strong maiden contenders at Nowra from the stables of Bjorn Baker and Brad Widdup while at Sale a Peter and Paul Snowden-trained colt looks ready to post the first winning strike of his career.
Nowra, Race 3, 3.00pm, Great Northern Maiden, $22,000, 1100m
Calculated Risk (Akeed Mofeed {GB}) is a half-brother to six winners, including the G1 Captain Cook S. winner and dual Group 2 winner Ekstreme (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}) and the stakes performed brothers Maradona (Mr Nancho {Arg}) and Pellegrini (NZ). They are sons of Cashcade (NZ) (Anziyan {USA}), who is a half-sister to the two-time Group 3 winner Blackrock College (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}).
Akeed Mofeed (GB), sire of Calculated Risk
Also the family of the black type winning Queensland sprinter Spurcraft (Jet Spur), Calculated Risk was a $70,000 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale but and was well backed when sixth on debut. The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding has since enjoyed a break and three subsequent trial outings should have him ready to fire first-up.
Nowra, Race 4, 3.35pm, Kel Campbell Haulage Maiden, $22,000, 1100m
Carte Blanche (Casino Prince) made a bright start to her career during the spring and was in the money in all three of her appearances. She hasn’t raced since mid-October, but with the benefit of that break and a recent trial she appeals as a strong chance to successfully open her summer preparation.
Casino Prince sire of Carte Blanche
Prepared by Brad Widdup, Carte Blanche is the first foal to race for the winning Encosta de Lago mare Not A Token Woman, who is out of a sister to the G2 Silver Slipper winner Amelia’s Dream (Redoute’s Choice). Their dam is the Listed Doomben Slipper winner Shalt Not (St Covet) and the family of the G1 BMW S. winner Grand Zulu (Grand Lodge {USA}).
Sale, Race 2, 1.35pm, Carlton Draught Maiden, $35,000, 1210m
Space Cowboy (Toronado {Ire}) looks a stand-out here for trainers Peter and Paul Snowden following a bold first-up showing for third at Stony Creek. That was his first run for four months and, against a modest line-up, he should prove hard to roll with that outing under his belt.
Toronado (Ire) sire of Space Cowboy
The colt, a $36,000 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale graduate, is a half-brother to the G3 James Carr S. winner Moss Trip (Moss Trip) with their dam the unraced Space Trip (Stratum). She is a half-sister to the G3 Liverpool City Cup and Magic Millions Cup winner Triple Elegance (Mossman) and the family of the two-time Group 1 winner Kermadec (NZ) (Teofilo {Ifre}).
