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 like a pair of fillies at Queanbeyan who hail from the respective families of Group 1 winners and leading sires Zoustar and Starspangledbanner while at Bendigo we’re keen on a debutante with an abundance of Group 1 form in her pedigree.
Queanbeyan, Race 1, 12.35pm AEST, Queanbeyan Leagues Club 2YO, $20,000, 900m
Proud Mia (Pride Of Dubai) has done everything asked of her to date by trainer Nick Olive and was a dominant winner of her only trial. She was ridden by Richard Bensley, who takes the mount again, and the scene now looks set for her to make a successful debut.
Proud Mia as a yearling
A $60,000 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale purchase, the filly is a half-sister to the winner Spaceboy (Deep Field) with their dam Miatoko (Danzero) a six-time winning sprinter. She is a half-sister to the dam of the G3 Festival S. winner Testashadow (Testa Rossa) and the family of the dual Group 1 winner and successful sire Zoustar.
Queanbeyan, Race 2, 1.10pm AEST, Jerra Hotel Mdn., $20,000, 1000m
Aradhana (Wandjina) has finished runner-up on this course at both of her recent starts and came from an outside gate on the latest occasion. The filly should get a softer run from a better barrier and looks an outstanding chance in the hands of Alysha Collett, who is picking up the reins again after a stint in Singapore.
Aradhana as a yearling
A half-sister to a pair of winners, Aradhana is a daughter of Berning Affair (Bernardini {USA}) and she hails from a speedy family. She is out of a sister to the stakes performer Gold Anthem (Made Of Gold {USA}) who produced the international Group 1-winning sprinter and sire Starspangledbanner. The G1 Thousand Guineas winner Amicus (Fastnet Rock) also features in the pedigree.
Bendigo, Race 1, 12.20pm AEST, Bendigo Sportsmen Mdn., $31,500, 1100m
Infitaah (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice) is from a potent family and was a NZ$200,000 buy at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale. She is a daughter of Orquidea (NZ) (Montjeu {Ire}), who is a half-sister to the multiple Group 1 winner Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}). Their dam Romanee Conti (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}) won four times at Group 3 level.
The late Redoute's Choice, sire of Infitaah (NZ)
She is a three-quarter sister to the Group 1 winner Grand Echezeaux (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), the dam of the successful sire Darci Brahma (NZ). Lindsay Park has enjoyed a good run with its 2-year-olds this season and that may well continue with Infitaah. She will be given every chance to add to the tally from a perfect draw.
