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 Thursday, the final foal from a prolific mare debuts at Doomben, while at Pakenham, a pricey son of Written Tycoon looks to break his maiden and a well-bred 4-year-old makes his bow for Mick Kent.
Doomben Race 1, 2:50pm AEDT, Gallopers Sports Club QTIS 2YO, $27,500, 1200m
Bellissimi Amici (Rothesay) is the last foal from the excellent producer Cantantes (Just Awesome), who has produced stakes winners Funtantes (Easy Rocking) and Excellantes (Falvelon) as well as this filly's talented full brother Guntantes.
Rothesay, sire of Bellissimi Amici
Robert Heathcote trained and bred all of Cantantes' progeny and debuts her latest here in a midweek QTIS race. This filly hasn't been seen in a public trial since October when fourth at Deagon, but has reportedly taken improvement over the past couple of months.
Pakenham Race 1, 6pm AEDT, Racing.com Mdn, $35,000, 1000m
Dalaalaat (Written Tycoon) debuted in stakes company at this time last year for Lindsay Park and was beaten just over a length before one run as an early 3-year-old when third at Wagga. Lindsay Park resumes him here off a recent comfortable jump-out win at Flemington in what looks a winnable maiden for a horse of his quality.
Dalaalaat as a yearling
He was a $650,000 buy for Shadwell Stud from the 2018 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and is a half-brother to Group 2 winning sprinter Heatherly (Lonhro), from the family of Group 1 winner Linton (Galileo {Ire}).
Pakenham Race 4, 7:30pm AEDT, Hanson Mdn, $35,000, 1400m
Mick Kent has had to show a fair bit of patience with the well-bred Stannary (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), who debuts here at age four. A $240,000 yearling purchase from the 2017 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, he is a full brother to G1 VRC Oaks runner-up Harlow Gold (NZ) and a half-brother to two stakes winners in Weissmuller (NZ) (Handsome Ransom) and Travolta (NZ) (Handsome Ransom).
Stannary (NZ) as a yearling
His most recent jump-out was over 1000 metres, which looked well short of his preferred distance and he wasn't knocked about there in finishing fourth. He will clearly benefit with further racing but could make an impression on debut over the 1400 metres.
