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.
Today, we take a closer look at a well-bred 2-year-old making his first start for Team Hawkes at Canterbury Park and a well-related and lightly-raced colt for Bjorn Baker. At The Valley, we fancy the chances of an Anthony Freedman-prepared filly from a smart juvenile family.
Canterbury Park, Race 1, 6.15pm, TAB Venue Mode H., $50,000, 1000m
A $375,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale graduate, I Am Swerving (I Am Invincible) is a son of Unswerving (Commands), who won as a 2-year-old and all five of her foals to race have been successful. They include the black-type performer Dogmatic (Domesday) and Kwinana (Lonhro), who has produced the Listed Brian Crowley S. winner Diamond Thunder (Dawn Approach {Ire}).
I Am Swerving as a yearling
Unswerving is a half-sister to the G3 Smoke-Free S. winner Firm (Night Shift {USA}) and to the dam of the G1 Makybe Diva S. winner Gatting (Hard Spun {USA}). I Am Swerving started life with Kris Lees before transferring to Team Hawkes and has been given a quiet lead-up trial, as is customary of the stable, and they are enjoying a good run with their 2-year-olds.
Canterbury Park, Race 2, 6.45pm, Vinery Yearlings H., $50,000, 1200m
Quiet Riot (Fastnet Rock) has a lot to live up to on pedigree and he’s made an encouraging start with a debut win off the back of trial success. He then finished a close fourth on this course and from the inside gate he looks a strong chance to add to his record for trainer Bjorn Baker.
A $200,000 Gold Coast purchase, the colt is a half-brother to the G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup and recent Listed Hong Kong Classis Mile winner Golden Sixty (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}). Their dam Gaudeamus (USA) (Distorted Humor {USA}) was a smart galloper who won the G2 Leopardstown Debutante S. and the family of the dual Group 1 winner and sire Act One (GB).
Quiet Riot
The Valley, Race 1, 6.30pm, PKF H., $50,000, 1200m
Miss Kingston (Pride Of Dubai) is a half-sister to five winners, including the G1 Blue Diamond S. second Reemah (Redoute’s Choice). Their dam Vormista (Testa Rossa) was a gifted mare who won the G2 Rose Of Kingston S. and was a three-time Group 1 runner-up.
She is from the family of the G3 Blue Diamond Preview winner Ashkaleta (Ashkalani {Ire}) so there is immediate 2-year-old form on the pedigree page and Miss Kingston can add to that for trainer Anthony Freedman. The filly gave a good account of herself on debut at Bendigo where she ran third from the outside gate. She has another tricky gate, but with some luck can challenge for top honours.
Pride Of Dubai, sire of Miss Kingston | Standing at Coolmore
