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 in the camp of a pair of lightly-tried maiden contenders at Muswellbrook, while at Ladbrokes Park we like the chances of a 3-year-old who is resuming after taking on Group company at his last appearance.
Muswellbrook, Race 1, 1pm AEST, TAB Long May We Play H., $22,000, 1000m
Superel (Super One) was a trial winner before she made her first appearance at Newcastle where the filly had plenty of support. She showed plenty of pace to lead, but couldn’t round off the effort and finished fourth but it was an effort she can improve on and is worth following again.
Super One, sire of Superel | Standing at Newgate Farm
Trained by Kris Lees, Superel has a speedy pedigree as a daughter of El Mina (Spinning World {USA}), who was twice successful up to 1400 metres. She is a half-sister to Puritan (Beneteau), who won the G3 Manfred S. and to stakes performer Linked In (Country Reel {USA}), a winner in Hong Kong as Po Ching King.
Muswellbrook, Race 3, 2.15pm AEST, GJ’s By The Lake H., $22,000, 1280m
Dawn Strike (Dawn Approach {Ire}) is the first foal to race for Pretty Gully (Spinning World {USA}) and she was a capable performer who won seven sprint races. She is out of a half-sister to the G1 Coolmore Classic and dual Group 3 winner Chlorophyll (Zeditave) and also the family of the G1 Belmont Metropolitan H. winner Garthorn (USA) (Believe It {USA}).
Dawn Strike as a yearling
The Rodney Northam-trained 3-year-old trialled well before he made his debut at Tamworth where he raced on the pace and fought on soundly to finish in behind the major players. With the benefit of that run he can show marked improvement in a mediocre line-up.
Ladbrokes Park, Race 5, 2.30pm AEST, Ladbrokes Odds Boost Exotics H., $50,000, 1200m
Maccabee (Deep Field) went out favourite in his first appearance at Kilmore off the back of a trial success and rewarded his supporters with a smart victory. He then stepped out in the G2 VRC Sires’ Produce S. and while only seventh, he finished less than 3.5l off the winner so should be effective in this company.
Maccabee as a yearling
Prepared by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, Maccabee is a half-brother to five winners, including the Group 3 performer Affirmation (Not A Single Doubt). Their dam Apocrypha (Octagonal {NZ}) is a daughter of the G1 VRC Oaks winner Tributes (Quest For Fame {GB}) and the family also features the former Singapore Horse of the Year Top Spin (Arena).
