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’re upbeat about the chances of two lightly-tried maiden contenders at Nowra while at the Kilmore fixture we like a filly who is a daughter of a two-time Group 1 winner.
Nowra, Race 2, 2.30pm AEDT, Hayles Douglass Plate, $22,000, 1400m
Solar Flash (Olympic Glory {Ire}) had won two trials ahead of her debut at Wyong where she understandably had plenty of support and fought on gallantly for third after racing on the pace. She is sure to have benefitted from that experience and from an inside gate looks the one to beat.
Solar Flash as a yearling
Prepared by Mark Newnham, Solar Flash is the first representative of Aurora’s Flash (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}), who was twice successful, and she is a daughter of the G3 Adrian Knox S. winner and G1 Australian Oaks placegetter Miss Darcey (Hussonet {USA}). The second dam Mrs Bussell (Danzero) was a stakes winner while the third, Lurestrina (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}), won the G1 Auckland Classic.
Nowra, Race 4, 3.40pm AEDT, Tierney Breed & Race H., $22,000, 1200m
Great Tye (Dundeel {NZ}) has been taken along patiently and finished fourth at his first appearance behind rising star Criaderas (Lonhro) before he was put aside. He has returned to finish second in both of his trials for Jason Coyle and should make his presence felt in what is a modest line-up.
Dundeel (NZ), sire of Great Tye | Standing at Arrowfield Stud
A half-brother to a pair of multiple winners, he is a son of She’s Choice (Choisir), who won on two occasions and is out of the 2-year-old winner and black type performer She’s All Class (NZ) (Pompeii Court {USA}). The stand-out name on the pedigree page is the dual Group 1 winner Hail (NZ) (Stark South {USA}).
Bet365 Park Kilmore, Race 1, 1.00pm AEDT, bet365 Odds Protector Plate, $35,000, 1200m
Valanetti (Sebring) is a half-sister to three winners and their dam is the former high class race mare Gallica (Redoute’s Choice). She triumphed in the G1 Thousand Guineas and in the G1 Schweppes Oaks. She has a rich international pedigree with family members including the European Group 2 winners Masterful (USA) (Danzig {USA}) and Corviglia (USA) (Cresta Rider {USA}).
Valanetti as a yearling
Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Valanetti has improved with each outing and following a debut fifth at Wangaratta the filly made good ground at Pakenham to finish third. She should be given every chance by in-form rider Michael Walker and from an inside gate and a breakthrough win beckons.
