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 fancy the chances at Gosford of a filly who produced an encouraging debut performance, and a mare who has made eye-catching progression in a brief career. At Sportsbet Ballarat, we’re in the corner of an expensive colt making his first appearance.
Gosford, Race 1, 12.55pm AEST, Milk & Honey Gosford Plate, $35,000, 1100m
We Had Too Many (Written Tycoon) made her one and only 2-year-old appearance last season in a handy Wyong maiden and fought on stoutly for third after being in front at the top of the straight. The filly will again be partnered by apprentice Tom Sherry and his 1kg claim will be another assist.
We Had Too Many as a yearling
Prepared by John Thompson, We Had Too Many is the first representative to race for St Issey (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) and she was a four-time winner. She is a sister to the dual Group 1 winner Zarita (NZ) and a half-sister to the G2 Concorde H. winner Run Like The Wind (NZ) (Pins) and the G3 Meydan Al Quoz Sprint winner Joy And Fun (NZ) (Cullen).
Gosford, Race 7, 4.40pm AEST, Debortoli BM64., $35,000, 1100m
Kootaloo (Hinchinbrook) has impressed in a short career with two successes already on the board and returned from a good break to finish fourth on this course last month. She’s sure to strip fitter and as a past second-up winner her chances have to be taken seriously.
The Bjorn Baker-trained 4-year-old is a half-sister to the stakes winner and Group 3 performer Samantha (Snitzel) and they are out of Icedginger (Tale Of The Cat (USA). There is plenty of speed in the pedigree with Kootaloo’s grandmother a half-sister to the G1 Blue Diamond S. winner True Jewels (Brief Truce {USA}) and the two-time Group 2 winner Wager (Flying Spur).
Kootaloo as a yearling
Sportsbet Ballarat, Race 3, 2.00pm AEST, Madica Civil Plate, $23,000, 1200m
The John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes-trained Stenographer (Written Tycoon) hasn’t been to any official trials, but the stable has an enviable strike rate with its debut runners. The colt, to be ridden by Dwayne Dunn, has drawn well enough to make an immediate impact and further confidence can be taken from his pedigree.
Stenographer as a yearling
A $380,000 purchase at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Stenographer is a son of Lady Dynamo (Catbird) and she was successful on five occasions and was stakes placed. Her dam Governing Spirit (NZ) (Deputy Governor {USA}) is a sister to the black-type winner Del Toro (NZ) and a half-sister to the G3 Illawarra Classic winner Splendid Horse (Geiger Counter {USA}), also runner-up in the G2 Black Opal Classic.
