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 put the spotlight on a pair of 3-year-olds in action at Canterbury Park and also take a closer look at a strong maiden prospect who will step out at the Echuca meeting.
Canterbury Park, Race 1, 1.25pm AEST, Sky Racing Active H., $60,000, 1550m
Sabor (Lonhro) was put aside after finishing sixth on debut last season and following a break impressed in two trials, winning the second of them in good style at Gosford. The colt resumed on this track over 1300 metres and was run down late to finish runner-up.
Sabor as a yearling
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained 3-year-old has drawn close to the fence and in the hands of Tim Clark is expected to take some catching. Sabor failed to meet his $550,000 reserve when offered at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and is a son of Sensibility (Redoute’s Choice), a winner and second in the G1 Flight S. She is a half-sister to the G2 VRC Sires’ Produce S. winner Running Tall (Stratum).
Canterbury Park, Race 2, 2.00pm AEST, 3YO Graduation H., $60,000, 1250m
Celestial Doll (Star Witness) made an inglorious debut when she was pulled up at Warwick Farm last term, but has put that well behind her with two smart winning performances this preparation. She has the right barrier to suit her free-going style and a hat-trick beckons for the filly.
The chestnut is trained by Richard and Michael Freedman and they bought her out of Widden Stud’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale draft for $60,000. Celestial Doll is out of Pussycat Doll (Tale Of The Cat {USA}), a speedy mare who won twice up to 900 metres, and she is a half-sister to the G3 Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. winner Living Spirit (Hennessy {USA}). She is the dam of the G3 Dark Jewel Classic winner Seaside (Redoute’s Choice).
Celestial Doll as a yearling
Bet365 Echuca, Race 1, 1.00pm AEST, Congratulations Barry Armstrong Plate, $23,000, 1312m
Deora (Deep Field) was a NZ$130,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale purchase out of JK Farm’s draft after he was originally sold for $38,000 by Attunga Stud at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Weanling Sale. He is a half-brother to stakes winner Mrs Kipling (Exceed And Excel) and to the dam of the G3 South Australia Fillies’ Classic winner and G1 SA Derby and G1 Schweppes Oaks placegetter Ana Royale (Anacheeva).
Trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, Deora has placed once from a handful of starts and last time out came from well back in the running after drawing wide to finish fifth. Michael Dee takes the mount and from an inside barrier, the 3-year-old looks a strong each-way chance for an in-form stable.
