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.
On Thursday, the Freedmans have a well-bred filly resuming at Mornington, where Grahame Begg debuts a speedy daughter of Written Tycoon, while at Northam, a half-brother to a Group 2 winner looks to break his maiden.
Mornington, Race 2, 1.30pm AEST, Jane Neve Plate, $35,000, 1200m
The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Oregon Pinot (Lonhro) was not far away in her two 2-year-old starts earlier this year, finishing fourth on both occasions when well supported. She always looked a filly capable of considerable improvement into her 3-year-old season, especially up in distance.
Lonhro, sire of Oregon Pinot | Standing at Darley
A sister to recent Sydney winner Zakat, she boasts a very strong pedigree being a sister-in-blood to the champion 2-year-old and now star Coolmore stallion Pierro. Their respective dams, Saddaqa (USA) (Raven's Pass {USA}) and Miss Right Note (Ire) (Daylami {Ire}) are half-sisters, while multiple Group 1 winner Laverock (Ire) (Octagonal {NZ}) is another sibling.
Mornington, Race 4, 2.30pm AEST, Douglas Wong Plate, $35,000, 1000m
Rose Quartz (Written Tycoon) debuts for Grahame Begg off a good jump-out win at Caulfield earlier this month. She is bred for speed being by stakes-placed Obsidian Dragon (Hidden Dragon), who was slick enough to win nine races in the 1000 metres range.
Rose Quartz as a yearling
The extended family includes the stakes winner Danedina (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), a half-sister to the dam, as well as Listed-winning pair Aptego (Prego {Ire}) and Amarina (Scenic {Ire}). This filly was a $300,000 buy for Begg and Rohan J Hughes Thoroughbred Services from the Mill Park draft at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Northam, Race 3, 4.47pm AEST, Northam Mazda Mdn, $20,000, 1300m
True Ora (Oratorio) resumes for trainer Adam Durrant having had one start as a 3-year-old when a closing fifth at Geraldton. He has trialled well in the lead-up to his return to the track and looks to have taken improvement from his spell.
True Ora as a yearling
He was a $50,000 purchase for Rodney and Tania Cosgrove at the 2018 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale and is a half-brother to seven winners, including Moccasin Bend (Eternity Range {USA}), who won a G2 WA Guineas. Listed winners World Of Fun (Metal Storm {Fr}), Surrender To Me (Poliuto {Ire}) and Mr Motown (Oratorio), also feature on the pedigree page.
