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 expecting a debut winner to carry on his winning way at Randwick while at Newcastle a colt who was runner-up at his only start can go one better. Finally, at Caulfield we like the chances of another first-up winner to carry on the good work.
Randwick, Race 2, 12.10pm AEST, Central Coast Mariners 2YO H., $100,000, 1200m
Ocean Emperor (Written Tycoon) was a smart trial winner before he followed up with a debut victory last month at Kensington where he bounced to the front and led all the way. He has since been kept up to the mark with another trial success and from a handy gate he’ll again be given every chance by rider Jason Collett.
Ocean Emperor as a yearling
A $220,000 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale buy, Ocean Emperor is a son of the Fastnet Rock mare Bubbles’n’boats, who was successful three times and is a half-sister to the dam of the G1 VRC Derby winner Extra Brut (Domesday). The second dam Charlotte Amalie (Fr) (Gay Mecene {USA}) was a French stakes winner and produced the Group 2 winners Esteemed Friend (USA) (Gulch {USA}) and Badouizm (USA) (Sheikh Albadou {GB}).
Newcastle, Race 2, 12.17pm AEST, Yarraman Park Mdn, $31,500, 1200m
Midland (Brazen Beau) was a $550,000 graduate of the Inglis Classic Sale and is a half-brother to the black type winner Rock Dove (Epaulette). Their dam Pouter (Dubawi {Ire}) won two races and is a half-sister to the stakes winner and Group 1 performer Excelltastic (Exceed And Excel). The G1 Belmont Mother Goose S. winner Dreams Gallore (USA) (Silver Ghost {USA}) is also a member of this family.
Midland as a yearling
Prepared by Kris Lees, Midland made the running at his Gosford debut before he was run down to finish runner-up. He carried plenty of support off the back of a trial win and following the money here can bring a winning return.
Caulfield, Race 1, 11.45am AEST, Noel Rundle H., $100,000, 1200m
National Choice (Snitzel) was a $300,000 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale purchase and is the first foal to race for My Sabeel (NZ) (Savabeel). She was a talented mare who won six races, including the G3 Toy Show H. and is out of a half-sister to the dual South African stakes-winner Tawny Run (NZ) (Runyon {Ire}). It’s also the family of the multiple Group 1 winner Naturalism (NZ) (Palace Music {USA}).
National Choice as a yearling
Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, National Choice was given a quiet trial before the colt stepped out at Geelong and he came from back in the field with an undeniable finish to win with plenty in reserve. This is a step up in class, but he looks more than capable of going to another level.
