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 like the chances of an expensive colt at his second-up run at Newcastle, also at Newcastle is a Gary Portelli-trained filly who makes her debut off an encouraging trial, and at Geelong a last start winner has our attention as it steps up in distance.
Newcastle, Race 2, 2.10pm AEST, Gts Lawnpride Australia Mdn, $35,000, 1400m
Expensive colt Volterra (I Am Invincible) will have his second-up run for the spring after coming home well at his first-up run to finish runner-up to Morethannumberone (More Than Ready {USA}) over 1300 metres, so the step up to 1400 metres should be ideal.
Volterra as a yearling
Volterra was purchased by Chris Waller and Mulcaster Bloodstock for $1.3 million at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Yarraman Park and is out of stakes winner Tai Tai Tess (Magic Albert).
Newcastle, Race 3, 2.50pm AEST, Advanced Pest Control Mdn, $35,000, 1400m
The Gary Portelli-trained Zurla (Zoustar) will make her debut off the back of an encouraging 1200 metre trial at Warwick Farm on September 3. The 3-year-old filly settled at the back of the four-horse field and tracked up around the bend before running home very strongly down the straight to finish second.
Zurla as a yearling
Purchased by DGR Thoroughbred Services for $210,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Arrowfield Stud, Zurla will be the sixth foal to race out of Zarakiysha (Ire) (Kendor {Fr}) which makes her a half-sister to G1 Queensland Oaks fourth Zarzali (Hussonet {USA}). Zarakiysha herself is a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Zakava (Ire) (Zamindar {USA}).
Geelong, Race 9, 5pm AEST, Ritchie Bros. BM64, $35,000, 1421m
Peskijen (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) was impressive winning on debut last start over 1200 metres. She was trapped three-wide without cover and showcased a good turn of foot in the straight to win by 0.4l. The step-up in distance looks ideal for the David Brideoake-trained filly and she seems very progressive going forward.
Sacred Falls (NZ), sire of Peskijen (NZ) | Standing at Waikato Stud
Peskijen was purchased by Cape Schanck Stud for NZ$220,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale from the draft of Waikato Stud and is one of five winners from five to race out of Listed Northland Breeders S. winner Queen Sabeel (NZ) (Savabeel), making her a half-sister to the stakes-placed Sagunto (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}).
