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 are focussing on a pair of well-related 3-year-olds in action at Gosford and at Caulfield we believe a filly can go one better on her debut run for second.
Gosford, Race 1, 1.44pm AEDT, Bolton Installations Maiden, $35,000, 1200m
Ludicrous Mode (Snitzel) is a half-sister to the promising 2-year-old Glenfiddich (Fastnet Rock), who has been stakes placed from a handful of starts. Their dam Nothin But A Dream (USA) (First Defence {USA}) is out of a half-sister to the Group 3 winner and sire Afleetaffair (USA). It’s also the family of the multiple Group 1 winner and sire Criterion (NZ) and his half-brother Comin’ Through (Fastnet Rock), winner of the G1 Doomben Cup.
Ludicrous Mode as a yearling
A $400,000 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale graduate, Ludicrous Mode is trained by John O’Shea and has had a couple of recent trials, finishing runner-up at Rosehill in her latest under Cameron Noble. The apprentice retains the mount and will claim a handy 1.5kg.
Gosford, Race 3, 2.54pm AEDT, Highgrove Bathrooms Maiden, $35,000, 1000m
Elegant Grace (Fastnet Rock) was $370,000 Easter Sale purchase and is a half-brother to the stakes winner and multiple Group 3-placegetter Tashbeeh (Commands). They are out of More Valour (More Than Ready {USA}) and she’s a half-sister to the G2 Wakeful S. winner and G1 Rosehill Guineas runner-up Timbourina (Timber Country {USA}) and the G2 Magic Night S. winner Media (Gilded Time {USA}).
Elegant Grace as a yearling
The G2 Shannon S. winner Noire (Foxwedge) and the G3 ATC Breeders’ Plate winner Global Quest (More Than Ready {USA}) also feature in the pedigree. Elegant Grace collected a cheque in each of her starts last preparation and has had two trials to fit her for this. She appeals as a strong chance to make a winning return.
Caulfield, Race 3, 2.15pm AEDT, Listed Arrowfield Redoute’s Choice S., $150,000, 1000m
Masseuse (Rubick) gave a strong account of herself on debut on this track last month when she got home strongly to finish runner-up. She was beaten by Hard Rock Girl (All Too Hard), a subsequent stakes winner and race rival again, and with the benefit of a run under her belt looks well-placed to turn the tables.
Masseuse as a yearling
Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Masseuse was a $150,000 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale buy and is the first representative at the races for Ahhhh (Lonhro). She is out of a half-sister to the black type winner Don Garcia (NZ) (Danehill {USA}) and their dam Te Akau Coup (NZ) (Thorn Park) won the G2 Matamata Breeders’ S.
