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 putting our faith in a debutante at Port Macquarie who has shaped well at the trials and a pair of sparingly-raced 3-year-olds with excellent winning prospects at Spendthrift Park and at Cranbourne.
Port Macquarie, Race 1, 12.35pm AEST, Stanley 3YO Maiden, $20,000, 1006m
Black Run (Rubick) is a daughter of the unraced Virgin Snow (Desert Prince {Ire}), who has produced a pair of multiple winners, including the Group performer Miss Husson (Husson {Arg}). There is a sister to the G1 TJ Smith S. winner Outback Prince and a half-sister to the two-time Group 1 winner Hotel Grand (Grand Lodge {USA}).
Black Run as a yearling
Also featuring in the pedigree is the dual Group 2 and Karaka Million 3YO Classic winner Scott Base (NZ) (Dalghar {Fr}). Black Run is on debut for trainer Brett Cavanough and following two tidy trial performances she can be a major threat from the inside gate.
Spendthrift Park, Race 3, 2.30pm AEST, Godings Maiden, $20,000, 1400m
Minicoop (Sebring) was placed as a 2-year-old before she was put aside to develop and she has the pedigree to suggest that she can make an impression on her return for David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig.
The late Sebring, sire of Minicoop
The filly is out of the multiple winner and black type placegetter Recooperate (General Nediym) and she is a half-sister to the five-time Group 1 winner Niconero (Danzero) and his two-time elite level-winning half-brother and sire Nicconi. Further back in the pedigree is the G1 Goodwood H. winner Zip Zip Away (Bellotto {USA}).
Cranbourne, Race 3, 6.30pm AEST, Browns Sawdust & Shavings Maiden, $31,500, 1200m
The lightly-tried Galactus (Deep Field) went back from a wide draw last time out at Kilmore and found the line strongly over 1400 metres for fourth. From a better gate the 3-year-old should be able to keep closer contact and he looks a fine chance to break through.
Deep Field, sire of Galactus | Standing at Newgate Farm
A $50,000 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale purchase, Galactus is a son of Indy Game (USA) (AP Indy {USA}), who is a half-sister to the multiple Group 2 winner King Cougat (USA) and at stud he produced the G1 Turnbull S. winner Devil Moon. It’s a well-performed family that also includes the Group winners Rey De Café (USA) (Kingmambo {USA}) and El Crespo (USA) (AP Indy {USA}).
