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 Friday, a son of Sebring debuts at Swan Hill, where a well-bred So You Think (NZ) gelding with a Melbourne Cup connection embarks on his second preparation, while at Goulburn, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott step out a Pierro 3-year-old from a well-credentialled staying family.
Swan Hill, Race 3, 2.30pm AEST, Austy Coffey - Trainer of the Year - 3YO Mdn, $35,000, 1200m
Kentucky Dream (Sebring) was impressive in winning a recent jump-out at Flemington and makes his debut for Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes in what looks a winnable Swan Hill maiden. He was purchased out of the Kitchwin Hills draft at last year's Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale by Lindsay Park and Andrew Williams Bloodstock for $90,000.
Kentucky Dream as a yearling
His dam, Run For Roses (Danehill {USA}), is an unraced sister to Group 1 winner and stallion Keeper from a family that has also produced the Group 1 winner Metal Bender (Danasinga). She has produced nine winners from 11 to the track including the Listed winner Medal Kun/King Louis (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) and the stakes-placed Bound To Blush (Strategic), who is the dam of Listed winner Final Award (Smart Missile).
Swan Hill, Race 4, 3pm AEST, Madison Lloyd - Apprentice of the Year - Mdn, $35,000, 1600m
Think Champayne (So You Think {NZ}) returns as a 4-year-old having finished down the track in his one start to date. As the name would suggest, he is prepared by Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne, who purchased him with Paul Willetts and First Light Racing for $120,000 at the 2018 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
Think Champayne as a yearling
The connection with the Melbourne Cup doesn’t end there with his sire having run third in the 2010 edition and his dam, Champagne (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), having finished second in 1998. She was a three-time Group 1 winner who has produced two stakes winners in Nadege (Giant's Causeway {USA}) and Martique (Danehill {USA}). His pedigree and debut would indicate he would appreciate distance and the 1600 metres first-up should give him plenty of time to warm up.
Goulburn, Race 6, 3.40pm AEST, Team Thoroughbred Mdn, $22,000, 1300m
Parochial (Pierro) steps out for his debut here for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott having been given time to settle in both his recent trials. Being a son of G1 South Australian Oaks winner Larrocha (Danehill {USA}), you would expect he would be a horse that appreciates a trip in time.
Parochial as a yearling
That pedigree also includes the dam's brother, the G1 VRC Derby winner Blackfriars, as well as the other stakes-winning siblings Manton, Waterford Road and Lions Gate, all of whom excelled over 2000 metres or further. Parochial was a $100,000 purchase for Dynamic Syndications at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
