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, Michael Moroney looks to break a maiden with a well-related 3-year-old at Geelong, where Anthony Freedman has a 2-year-old on debut, while at Gosford, a daughter of Snitzel looks to secure her first win.
Geelong, Race 2, 1:30pm AEDT, Avalon Airport Maiden Plate, $23,000, 1335m
Spanish Peaks (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) resumes for Michael Moroney here having been last seen when well-supported in a maiden race won by subsequent Group 1 placegetter Groundswell (Fastnet Rock) at this track in September.
Spanish Peaks (NZ) as a yearling
He is a horse with a fair amount of ability and the time to mature would have done him well. He was picked out by Paul Moroney for NZ$230,000 at the 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Sale, being a half-brother to Group 2 winner She Brings Joy (NZ) (Sebring). The dam, In The Mood (Ire) (Hawk Wing {GB}), has produced two other winners and is a grand-daughter of Group 2 winner Grecian Urn (Ire) (Ela Mana Mou {Ire}).
Geelong, Race 3, 2pm AEDT, Adam Bird Electrics 2YO Mdn, $23,000, 1135m
Charm School (Redoute's Choice) was a $480,000 buy for Dean Hawthorne at the 2019 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and debuts for Anthony Freedman having looked good when close-up in a recent jump-out at Balnarring.
Charm School as a yearling
She is aiming to become the first winner from stakes-placed Mount Zero (Northern Meteor), who is a daughter of juvenile stakes-winner Beauty School (Royal Academy {USA}), whose half-sister is the great granddam of recent G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Farnan (Not A Single Doubt).
Gosford Race 4, 3:05pm AEDT, Pirtek Central Coast Mdn, $35,000, 1100m
Ludicrous Mode (Snitzel) was competitive when third on debut at this track last start and should take significant benefit from that run, when beaten just over 2l. The John O'Shea-trained filly fought on well that day and showed a bit at the trials before that.
Ludicrous Mode as a yearling
She was a $400,000 buy at the 2018 Easter Yearling Sale and is out of Nothin' But A Dream (USA) (First Defence {USA}), making her a half-sister to stakes-placegetter Glenfiddich (Fastnet Rock), who impressed with a recent win at Mornington. She was bred by Edinburgh Park, who remain in the ownership and have several other members of the extended family.
