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 the chances of a maiden with a speedy pedigree to back his claims at Gosford where we also like a well-related 2-year-old off the back of a smart trial win. At Sportsbet-Ballarat, a filly from a Group 1 background looks ready to go one better following a debut second.
Gosford, Race 2, 12.45pm AEST, Eve Security Service Mdn, $31,500, 1000m
Light And Dark (Rubick) looks like proving an astute piece of business for trainer Bjorn Baker, who secured him for just $20,000 at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale. The 3-year-old had trialled well before he ran fourth on debut at Hawkesbury and then ran third at Newcastle. He has drawn well and third-up should be ready to shed his novice tag.
Light And Dark as a yearling
The gelding boasts a speedy pedigree and is a son of Canzero (Danzero), who has produced three winners, and she was successful twice up to 1000 metres. The dam is a half-sister to the Listed Ottawa S. winner Spectrolite (Stratum) and from the family of the Listed Reginald Allen S. winner Hitapotomoss (Twig Moss {Fr}), also placed in the G2 Light Fingers S.
Gosford, Race 3, 1.20pm AEST, Kentan Machinery 2YO, $31,500, 1100m
Oscar Zulu (Epaulette) has a pedigree to boost confidence with his dam Ininthree (NZ) (Generous {Ire}) a half-sister to the Group 1 winners Terravista (Captain Rio {GB}) and Tiger Tees (NZ) (Dubawi {Ire}), the multiple Group 2 winner Ball Of Muscle (Dubawi {Ire}) and the former Singapore Horse of the Year and sire Super Easy (NZ).
Oscar Zulu as a yearling
A $130,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale graduate, Oscar Zulu has been to the trials on four occasions and was successful at Warwick Farm at his most recent appearance. He has drawn an ideal gate in a big field and with Lee Magorrian aboard they look a tasty combination.
Sportsbet-Ballarat, Race 2, 1pm AEST, Hertz 2YO Mdn Plate, $20,700, 1200m
Impetus (Written Tycoon) was a strong second on debut at Pakenham and she looks perfectly-placed here to go one better. The Lindsay Park representative will be ridden by the in-form Daniel Stackhouse, who was aboard the filly in her first appearance.
Written Tycoon, sire of Impetus | Standing at Arrowfield Stud
She is a daughter of Gybe (Fastnet Rock), who won five races including two at Listed level and was runner-up in the G3 Golden Pendant S. She is a half-sister to the two-time Group 1 winner Anabandana (Anabaa {USA}) and the family of the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner King’s Rose (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice), whose brother Hardham won the G2 Alister Clark S. and placed in the G1 Australian Derby.
