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’re keen on the chances at Muswellbrook of a Kris Lees-trained juvenile who placed in her only outing last preparation and can make an impact on her return. At Sportsbet-Ballarat, we like the prospects of two well-credentialed fillies to have the services of Group 1-winning jockey Damian Lane.
Muswellbrook, Race 1, 12.55pm AEDT, Aquis Starmaker 2YO H., $30,000, 1000m
Zeftabrook (Hinchinbrook) can put a speedy pedigree to good use here for trainer Kris Lees as she is a half-sister to the multiple winner Denmagic (Denman), who was a multiple black type placegetter, including a third in the G1 Myer Classic. Their dam Magic Zefta (Viscount) is a half-sister to the G2 Centrebet Classic winner Go The Knuckle (Elvstroem).
Zeftabrook as a yearling
A $190,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Magic Zefta was unbeaten in two trials during her spring preparation before she finished a sound third in the Max Lees Classic in her only appearance. Andrew Gibbons rides the filly and from the inside gate they look the favoured combination.
Sportsbet-Ballarat, Race 1, 1.40pm AEDT, Cardno TGM Maiden, $35,000, 1100m
Forever Free (Exceed And Excel) hasn’t been to any official trials, but she has a smart pedigree to draw confidence from and is from a family trainers Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra know well. They won eight races, including a pair of Group 3 events, with her brother Thermal Current.
Exceed And Excel, sire of Forever Free | Standing at Darley
The siblings are out of the stakes-winner Soaressa (Twining {USA}) and she is a half-sister to the G1 Queensland Derby winner Eagle Way (More Than Ready {USA}) and the Listed winners Assertive Eagle (Danewin) and Impressive Eagle (Rubiton). Forever Free has drawn a handy gate on debut and will be ridden by Damian Lane.
Sportsbet-Ballarat, Race 2, 2.15pm AEDT, Eureka Concrete Maiden, $35,000, 1200m
Lane also looks to have a royal chance here when he combines with the James Cummings-trained Imsouane (Lonhro), who has improved with each of her outings. Fifth on debut, she then came from the outside gate over this course and distance to finish runner-up earlier this month.
Lonhro, sire of Imsouane | Standing at Darley
Imsouane is a sister to the dual winner Marmaris and their dam Seaside (Redoute’s Choice) won four times up to 1400 metres, including a victory in the G3 Dark Jewel Classic. Her half-sister Maka Ena (Exceed And Excel) was a 2-year-old winner and ran third in the G1 Blue Diamond S. They are out of the G3 Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. winner Living Spirit (Hennessy {USA}).
