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 concentrate our efforts on the Kembla Grange meeting where we like the debut chances of an expensive youngster, a colt taking a major step back in grade and a filly who can improve on a sound first-up performance.
Kembla Grange, Race 1, 12.19pm AEST, Tom Thumb 2YO, $31,500, 1400m
Nowitzki (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) is the first foal of the unraced Captain Rio (GB) mare Miss Ivanovic (Ire) and she is a half-sister to the former champion Hong Kong miler Gold-Fun (Ire) (Le Vie Dei Colori {GB}), a multiple Group 2 winner and Group 1 placegetter.
Nowitzki (Jpn) as a yearling
The dam’s brother Body And Soul (Ire) was also a black type winner and the family of the G1 Criterium de Saint Cloud winner Mkfancy (Fr) (Makfi {GB}). Nowitzki was a $950,000 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale buy and following a couple of preparatory trials looks set to make a return on his investment.
Kembla Grange, Race 2, 12.54pm AEST, Perkins Beach Maiden, $31,500, 1300m
Never Never River (Written Tycoon) was a dual trial winner before he finished a sound fourth on debut at Warwick Farm. The colt was then unplaced in the G3 Kindergarten S. so this represents a significant step back in class.
Never Never River as a yearling
He has the benefit of the inside gate and in lesser company and with a couple of runs under his belt he can fulfil the early promise he showed. Bought for $130,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Never Never River is a son of the Listed Princes S. winner Best Yet To Come (Econsul {NZ}), a half-sister to multiple winner and Group performer Simply Put (Charge Forward).
Kembla Grange, Race 3, 1.29pm AEST, Williams Beach Maiden, $31,500, 1500m
Lisitsa (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) didn’t show a lot in two trial outings, but on debut the filly produced a bold showing to finish runner-up at Hawkesbury. She was ridden by Blaike McDougall, who has the mount again and with a little good fortune from a wide gate can go one better.
The late Medaglia D’Oro (USA), sire of Lisitsa
The 3-year-old is a daughter of Piano Show (USA) (Kingmambo {USA}), who is a half-sister to the G1 VRC Derby winner and sire Benicio and the G2 Moonee Valley Fillies’ Classic winner Romneya (Red Ransom {USA}). The pedigree also features the presence of the G2 Sweet Embrace S. winner Always Allison (More Than Ready {USA}).
