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 are expecting a smart debut winner to handle a rise in class at Randwick, a lightly-tried 4-year-old looks a strong chance at Kembla Grange and at Caulfield a well-related colt has our attention.
Randwick, Race 4, 1.40pm AEST, Ranvet H., $125,000, 1100m
Torun (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) was an impressive maiden winner at Hawkesbury in his first appearance and the style of that victory provided ample evidence that he can make his mark in Saturday company.
Medaglia D’Oro (USA), sire of Torun | Standing at Darley America
Prepared by Joe Pride, Torun is a son of Bal Du Siecle (GB) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) and she is a half-sister to the French stakes-winner Buenos Dias (Ire) (Peintre Celebre {USA}), also third in the G1 Hollywood Turf Cup. Their dam is a half-sister to the former Australian Horse of the Year Might And Power (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).
Kembla Grange, Race 1, 1.24pm AEST, Gwenda Markwell Plate, $35,000, 1000m
The connections of Absolute Legend (Not A Single Doubt) have been patient and it wasn’t until deep into his 3-year-old season that he made his first appearance. That came at Gosford where he was sent out a warm favourite and finished runner-up.
Absolute Legend as a yearling
The Les Bridge-trained gelding is sure to be sharper for that run and, from a handy gate and the benefit of Chris Williams’ 2kg claim, it will pay to follow the money on him. A $280,000 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale buy, Absolute Legend is the first representative of My Prerogative (I Am Invincible). She is a half-sister to the stakes-winner Given (Canny Lad) whose son Green Roller (Flying Spur) was successful at Listed level.
Caulfield, Race 5, 2.40pm AEST, G3 Neds Vain S., $160,000, 1100m
Ranting (NZ) (Zoustar) has made an encouraging start to his career for Leon and Troy Corstens and has the pedigree to suggest he can be a serious contender. His dam Vanilla Ice Cream (More Than Ready {USA}) is a sister to the G1 Blue Diamond S. winner Danelagh (Danehill {USA}), the dam of Hong Kong Horse of the Year Vengeance Of Rain (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) whose sister Dizelle won the G1 Australian Oaks.
Ranting (NZ) as a yearling
A $280,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Ranting finished runner-up over this course and distance on debut and then finished third in the G3 Breeders’ S. at Morphettville. He comes in fresh here and promises to give a bold sight in the hands of Dwayne Dunn.
