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 believe a lightly-tried 3-year-old can improve on a last-start second and open her account at Wagga while at Seymour we like the chances of a filly from a strong North American family and a 2-year-old, who boasts a speedy background.
Wagga, Race 2, 1.40pm AEST, Iron Jack H., $22,000, 1400m
Kez (Zoffany {Ire}) is a half-sister to the two-time winner Carte Blanche (Casino Prince) and they are daughters of the Encosta De Lago mare Not A Token Woman. She is out of a sister to the G2 Silver Slipper S. winner Amelia’s Dream and further top-flight form in the family comes from the G1 BMW S. winner Grand Zulu (Grand Lodge {USA}).
Zoffany (Ire), sire of Kez | Standing at Coolmore America
Trained by Danny Williams, Kez improved markedly on a debut fifth when she finished runner-up on this course earlier this month. She moves up to 1400 metres here, which looks another plus, and from a handy gate the filly should go close to shedding her maiden tag.
Seymour, Race 1, 12.30pm AEST, Bet365 Odds Drift Protector Mdn, $20,700, 1300m
Sippity Sup (Sebring) was a $170,000 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale buy and comes from a well-performed North American family. Her dam Nursery Rhyme (USA) (Tale Of The Cat {USA}) was a stakes winner and she is out of a half-sister to the G2 Hollywood Park Californian S. winner Mud Route (USA) (Strawberry Road).
Sippity Sup as a yearling
Also close up in the pedigree are the Group 1-winning siblings and sires Success Express (USA) and Greenwood Lake (USA). Sippity Sup was fourth in her only appearance in the spring and was then unplaced for new trainer Chris Waller on a heavy track when well-supported at Moe. Any improvement in the going will suit her and it may pay to follow the money on the filly.
Seymour, Race 2, 1pm AEST, Parker Bros Earthmoving 2YO, $20,700, 1200m
Mexican Star (Choisir) is the first foal to race for Mexican Gal (Encosta De Lago) and she was a multiple winner in Singapore where her dam Mexican Rose (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}) was a star performer. She won 10 races, including the Listed Singapore Magic Millions Juvenile Championship, and produced the stakes placegetter Mexican Tycoon (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}).
Mexican Star as a yearling
Trained by John and Chris Meagher, Mexican Star showed the benefit of a first-up outing when she found the line well to finish third at Cranbourne. Her race day experience will stand her in good stead here and she’s drawn well enough in a big field to make a strong impression.
