Cover image courtesy of Fasig-Tipton

Written by Jessica Martini, TDN America

At A Glance

>> Through four sessions, 961 yearlings grossed US$32,743,700 (AU$46.55 million). The average of US$34,073 (AU$48,454) was down 10.2 per cent from last year’s Sale-record mark of US$37,955 (AU$54,000).

>> The median of US$15,000 (AU$21,325) rose 15.4 per cent from the 2019 figure of US$13,000 (AU$18,488).

>> With 265 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 21.6 per cent, it was 24.5 per cent a year ago.

>> Through four sessions, Fasig-Tipton sold 76 horses via internet bids for approximately US$2.5 million (AU$3.55 million).

>> Bloodstock agent Mike Ryan paid the highest price of the session, going to US$310,000 (AU$440,627) to secure a son of Classic Empire (USA) from the draft of St George Sales.

Sale holds up well

The Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearling Sale, and the yearling sales season, concluded on Thursday in Lexington with the market continuing to show resilience despite a plethora of worldwide uncertainties.

Through four sessions, 961 yearlings grossed US$32,743,700 (AU$46.55 million). The average of US$34,073 (AU$48,454) was down 10.2 per cent from last year’s Sale-record mark of US$37,955 (AU$54,000).

The median of US$15,000 (AU$21,325) rose 15.4 per cent from the 2019 figure of US$13,000 (AU$18,488). With 265 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 21.6 per cent. it was 24.5 per cent a year ago.

“All in all, I think it has to be considered a successful week,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “If someone would have told me at the beginning of the week, or the beginning of the month, or certainly three months ago that the average would be down 10 per cent and the median would be up 15 per cent and the RNA rate would decline, I would have signed up for that immediately with no hesitation whatsoever.

“It was a legitimate market for four days. The buyers who were trying to buy the perceived better type horses said it was very difficult to buy. There was lots of competition for those horses.

“We are not going to sit here and say everything is lovely. Anytime a sale has a median of US$15,000 (AU$21,325), it’s tough to make money. The economics of raising a yearling means there were a lot of unprofitable yearlings in this Sale. But I think that’s been the case for several years.”

Through four sessions, Fasig-Tipton sold 76 horses via internet bids for approximately US$2.5 million (AU$3.55 million).

Brian Graves of Gainesway, which consigned two of the five yearlings to sell for US$200,000 (AU$284,284) or over during Thursday’s session, said polarisation was a continuing reality in the marketplace.

“It’s thin and everything has to be perfect. You have to have a really good physical, you have to have a little sire power and you have to have a clean vet. And if you have those three things, you can get a fair to a good price for your horse.

“Everything else is very thin and shaky and there just isn’t any flexibility after that. Really it’s a free-fall after that at this point in time with all the uncertainty and the COVID situation only makes it worse.”

Quality sells

Still, buyers were there for the perceived quality offerings.

“It’s a lot of work because it’s so spread out – 1500 horses over four days – but you do find some nice horses who missed earlier sales for whatever reason and sometimes a horse who didn’t sell at September comes back here, like that sale-topper on Wednesday [US$600,000 (AU$852,500) son of Uncle Mo],” bloodstock agent Mike Ryan, who made Thursday’s highest bid when going to US$310,000 (AU$440,627) to acquire a son of Classic Empire (USA), said.

“He was a beautiful horse. He doubled his price from September to now. It doesn’t happen often, but he was a really good colt. It’s the same old story. If you have a really good horse who vets clean and stands the critique of everybody, you’ll do well.”

Ryan has made almost every stop on the yearling sales scene across the globe, including at Tattersalls and Keeneland.

“I think it’s amazing. I think it just shows you how resilient we are. Thank God that racing resumed back in May because it’s the engine that drives everything and without racing, we are nothing,” Ryan said.

“But purses have gone back up again in New York, they are back to pre-COVID levels. So it is amazing, but it's also very polarised. We just don’t have enough people who want to race a horse, enough people who want to pay US$120 (AU$170.50) a day to want to run one.

“There are too many middlemen, traders, not enough end-users and that’s a problem, but it’s been remarkable. Who would have thought it? The uncertainty was unnerving and Fasig here in September was good and Keeneland was solid. But it’s the same story. You’ve got to have a nice horse, but that’s the way it is. People aren’t going to pay for average stock. If they like your horse, you’ll be rewarded.”

With the end of the yearling sales season, Ryan said with a smile, “We get a week off and we’ll be back here next Thursday looking at foals and mares.”

Ryan strikes for Classic Empire colt

Bloodstock agent Mike Ryan went to a session-topping US$310,000 (AU$440,627) to secure a son of Classic Empire on behalf of Seth Klarman. The yearling (Hip 1398), who will be trained by Chad Brown, is out of Delay Of Game (USA) (Bernardini {USA}) and from the family of Graded winner Sanford (USA) and champion Johannesburg (USA).

“He’s a really good colt with a lot of Bernardini in him and a beautiful mover,” Ryan said. “He’s a New York-bred which is nice, but I think he is an open-company class horse. I thought he was the best by the sire that I saw this week–one of the best horses I saw this week. I was surprised to have to go that far for him, but we really wanted him.

“Hopefully we will see him at Saratoga next year as a 2-year-old. He’s bred to go two turns, but he looks like a horse who will have natural speed and should be able to run in late summer of his 2-year-old year. We’ve had a lot of luck buying for Mr Klarman and Chad Brown and I told him this was a horse we had to have and let’s try to get him.”

The yearling was consigned by St George Sales on behalf of his breeder, Dan Hayden’s EKQ Stables.

“I’m very happy with the result,” Hayden said. “I’m delighted that a superior judge like Mike Ryan got him also. He’s a lovely straightforward colt with a lovely motion and balance to him. He’s loaded with quality also. I like what I’m seeing from these Classic Empires.”

Hayden purchased Delay Of Game, in foal to Street Sense (USA), for US$90,000 (AU$127,860) at the 2017 Keeneland November Sale. The mare was bred and consigned by Godolphin.

“The first thing that appealed to me about the mare was her sire, Bernardini,” Hayden said. “The sky is the limit for his broodmares. I spoke with Danny Mulvihill from Darley who was selling her and he said she was solid with no vices.

“Kiaran McLaughlin, who trained her, also told me that her race record didn’t necessarily reflect her talent. He said she was a runner. It was also very appealing that she had such a deep family going back to Johannesburg and, of course, Pulpit through that great mare Yarn.”

The mare’s Street Sense filly, now named Spa Ready (USA), sold for US$260,000 (AU$370,000) at last year’s Keeneland September Sale. Spa Ready broke her maiden first-time out at Belmont Park for Wise Racing.

“The Street Sense filly could walk the pants off anyone and was absolutely bombproof mentally,” Hayden said. “The Classic Empire is the same and the mare has an absolute standout weanling filly by Accelerate.”

Empire Maker popular

Gainesway sent a trio of yearlings, bred on foal shares, by its late sire Empire Maker (USA) through the ring at Fasig-Tipton Thursday and came away with three six-figure sales.

“Empire Maker is a super broodmare sire,” Gainesway’s Brian Graves said. “Everybody knows it and that only helps. People would like to have one and their chances to do that are running out.”

Empire Maker, who died in January, is the broodmare sire of 21 Graded stakes winners, including Grade I winners Arklow (USA) (Arch {USA}), Separationofpowers (USA) (Candy Ride {Arg}) and Outwork (USA) (Uncle Mo {USA}), as well as Canadian champion Avie’s Flatter (Can) (Flatter {USA}).

Bloodstock agent Tonja Terranova went to US$200,000 (AU$284,284) to acquire a colt by the 2003 GI Belmont S. winner (Hip 1173). The yearling is out of stakes-placed Bagatelle Park (USA) (Speightstown {USA}) and was bred in partnership with Dr. H. Steve Conboy.

“The colt was just everything you’d want to see,” Graves said. “He was leggy, he had good balance and a good walk.”

X-Men Racing purchased an Empire Maker filly (Hip 1372), also for US$200,000 (AU$284,284). Bred in partnership with Happy Alter, the Florida-bred bay is out of Curlin’s Mistress (USA) (Curlin {USA}), a full sister to multiple Graded stakes winner Curlin’s Approval (USA).

Rounding out the trio of six-figure yearlings was Hip 1197, a filly out of Graded winner Belleski (USA) (Polish Number {USA}) who was bred in partnership with Thoreau, LLC. Down Neck Stable acquired the bay for US$155,000 (AU$220,227).

“Both the fillies were very good physicals,” Graves said. “Unfortunately these days, if you don’t have that going for you, it’s impossible to get a good result.”

Pride Racing - Racing Manager

One of Australia’s leading racing stables is seeking a Racing Manager to assist with the management & operations of a growing business.

The role will require the successful applicant to assist in the day management of the stable including, owner communications, logistics, website & social media management, attend race days, trial days and bloodstock sales.

Main duties and responsibilities

Core objectives include:

· Communication with owners, service providers, stakeholders, media & other governing bodies

· Business development, networking & fielding new ownership enquires

· Attending race days to saddle up & liaise with connections

· Assist at major bloodstock sales

· Assessing form, programming & handicapping

· Newsletter production

· Managing an interactive website and social media accounts

· Maintaining stable records

· Co-ordinating horse movements and completing stable returns

· Nominations & Acceptances

· Managing relationships with pre-trainers & agistment properties

· Communications with trainer and staff

· Monitoring office phone, email & database

· Co-Ordinating interstate trips for both horses & staff

· Horse Registrations

· Staff Registrations

· Stable marketing & Advertising

The above list is not exhaustive and the role may change to meet the overall objectives of the company.

Experience

· At least 2- 3 years in the racing industry

· Competent around Thoroughbreds

· Thorough knowledge of horses

· Experience in stable management practises

Knowledge

· Rules of Racing

· Understanding of Programming & Handicapping

· Horse Conformation

· Thorough knowledge of stable management practices

Skills & competencies

· Customer Service

· Excellent client communication & writing skills

· Attention to detail

· Strong IT Skills

· Time management/organisation

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· Professional approach

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· Overnight trips away for work may be required during interstate carnivals & Sales

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We have a competitive remuneration package available for the successful applicant. With opportunities for commission-based sales.

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All expressions of interest will be kept strictly confidential.

To apply, please email your CV with a covering note to Pride Racing: racing@prideracing.com.au or call 0402079460 for more information.

Courtesy of TDN Europe

Cover image courtesy of Tattersalls

At A Glance

>> Overall the Sale’s key indicators dipped, with the aggregate of 21,375,100 gns (AU$40.62 million) being down by 14 per cent.

>> The average fell by 13 per cent to 22,384 gns (AU$43,395) and the median by 25 per cent to 9000 gns (AU$17,000).

>> There was notable participation from Australian trainers, with New Zealand-born Michael Moroney buying three lots through his brother Paul and their agent on the ground in Newmarket, Armando Duarte for 1,475,000 gns (AU$2.8 million) of the Sale’s turnover.

>> Sydney’s leading trainer Chris Waller, acting through John Ferguson, bought five horses for a total of 935,000 gns (AU$1.77 million). Ciaron Maher and Annabel Neasham were also active, along with syndicators Australian Bloodstock, Dynamic Syndications and Darby Racing.

>> New Saudi Arabian venture Najd Stud was also one of the Sale’s leading buyers with four horses purchased through Ted Voute for 935,000 gns (AU$1.77 million).

Quiet end to auction

The four-day Tattersalls Horses In Training Sale concluded in muted fashion on Thursday following the highlight provided on the previous day by the sale of English King (Fr) (Camelot {GB}) to Australia for 925,000 gns (AU$1.787 million).

It took just 37,000 gns (AU$70,300) to top the final session, that price being bid by Nick Bradley of Glebe Farm for the New Approach (Ire) 3-year-old Citronella (GB) (Lot 1405) from the celebrated family of High Hawk (GB) (Shirley Heights {GB}).

The strong clearance rate which had been the hallmark of the October Yearling Sales at Park Paddocks continued throughout this week, with 88 per cent of the 1105 horses offered being sold.

This was down slightly from 90 per cent in 2019, but was still an impressive figure given that many of the Sale’s regular international buyers were unable to travel this year, a factor which was remarked upon by the company’s chairman Edmond Mahony in his closing statement.

“The Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale is a uniquely international fixture and to stage it amidst such widespread global travel restrictions was a daunting prospect, but yet again the industry has risen to the challenge,” he said.

“The Sale understandably lacked some of its customary vibrancy with so many of our regular overseas buyers unable to travel. But the market has again held up remarkably well, particularly at the top end where we have seen a record sale price for a colt of 925,000 gns (AU$1.787 million) and double last year’s number of lots sold for more than 300,000 gns (AU$570,150).

“It is a similar scenario to the recent Tattersalls October Yearling Sales. Quality bloodstock remains a coveted commodity and the status of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale as the premier sale of its type in the world is based on consistent achievement on racecourses throughout the world.”

Overall the Sale’s key indicators dipped, with the aggregate of 21,375,100 gns (AU$40.62 million) being down by 14 per cent, while the average fell by 13 per cent to 22,384 gns (AU$43,395) and the median by 25 per cent to 9000 gns (AU$17,000).

Despite the travel restrictions, there was notable participation from Australian trainers, with New Zealand-born Michael Moroney buying three lots through his brother Paul and their agent on the ground in Newmarket, Armando Duarte.

The trio accounted for 1,475,000 gns (AU$2.8 million) of the Sale’s turnover, while fellow New Zealander and Sydney’s leading trainer Chris Waller, acting through John Ferguson, bought five horses for a total of 935,000 gns (AU$1.77 million). Ciaron Maher and Annabel Neasham were also active, along with syndicators Australian Bloodstock, Dynamic Syndications and Darby Racing.

New Saudi Arabian venture Najd Stud was also one of the Sale’s leading buyers with four horses purchased through Ted Voute for 935,000 gns (AU$1.77 million).

“It is no coincidence that the most notable feature of the international influence this week has been the contribution from Australian and Saudi Arabian connections,” Mahony said.

“The inaugural US$30 million (AU$42.7 million) Saudi Cup night in February this year saw the connections of two Autumn Horses In Training purchases standing proudly in the winner’s enclosure and there have been four individual Australian Group 1 winners from the Sale since 2019. Success-driven demand is the key to so many sales at Tattersalls and it has been especially evident at all levels of this year’s market.

“Equally important has been the role of the live internet and telephone bidding facilities which have both played a crucial part in enabling participation from buyers unable to attend the Sale in person.

“We all crave the return of some semblance of normality to everyday life, but in the meantime, we are having to explore all possible ways in which to facilitate business and the live internet and telephone bidding platforms have been vital innovations which have proved particularly well suited to this sector of the bloodstock market.”

Albarado in right form

G1 AAMI Victoria Derby, $2,000,000, 2500m

Albarado (NZ) (Savabeel) was an impressive winner of the G3 Norman Robinson S. and he gives every indication he will run out this distance out after hitting the line strongly in his lead-up racing.

The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained 3-year-old also has the pedigree to instil confidence as he is from the family of Willy Smith (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}), winner of the two-mile G1 Wellington Cup.

The Norman Robinson looks a good form race and runner-up Let’s Karaka Deel (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) and Hit The Shot (Dundeel {NZ}) don’t need to lift much to be major players and neither does fourth-placegetter Redwood Shadow (NZ) (Redwood {GB}).

Cherry Tortoni (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) is a tough and talented galloper who came from the tail to win the G2 Drummond Gold Vase and a wide gate won’t unduly affect his chances.

It will be a memorable training performance by Danny O’Brien if Young Werther (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) can come to the fore in just his third race day appearance.

He was a debut winner at Geelong before finishing runner-up in the Listed Super Impose S. and O’Brien took no chances with the talented gelding and withdrew him from The Valley last Saturday due to the wet track.

Young Werther’s stablemate Cetshwayo (Dundeel {NZ}) wasn’t far away when sixth in the Norman Robinson off the back of a sound win at Flemington and he could be a value runner on an each-way basis.

Trial success a pointer

G1 Coolmore Stud S., $1,500,000, 1200m

There will be plenty of interest in the performance of last season’s champion 2-year-old Farnan (Not A Single Doubt), who hasn’t run since he petered out of the G2 Run To The Rose after paring off in front. A subsequent trial win suggests he’s back on track.

Wild Ruler (Snitzel) has opened his spring campaign in excellent style with consecutive stakes wins to earn a shot at a major prize and in his current touch should make a bold play.

Glenfiddich (Fastnet Rock) missed the G1 Caulfield Guineas after undergoing throat surgery and if he’s at his best will be a handful. He won the G2 Stutt S. at his last appearance and prior to that was third in the G1 Memsie S.

Ranting (NZ) (Zoustar) broke his maiden with success in the G3 Blue Sapphire S. and with stablemate Swats That (Shamus Award), last-start winner of the G3 Thoroughbred Club S., gives Team Corstens a quality hand.

Anders (Not A Single Doubt) is quick and if he gets his own way in front will be hard to peg back and the best chance at odds could be Mamaragan (Wandjina). He could be better-suited at this trip after failing in the Caulfield Guineas.

Fresh is best

G1 Kennedy Cantala S., $1,500,000, 1600m

Mr Quickie (Shamus Award) is at his best when produced on the fresh side and he was a stylish winner of the G1 Toorak H. three weeks ago.

As a dual Group 1 winner last season, King’s Landing (Redoute’s Choice) adds intrigue and he’s certainly good enough to make the best use of a big pull in the weights.

Noncomformist (Rebel Raider) has been freshened since he won the G3 Coongy H. and is back to a trip he is unbeaten over in two runs. Fifty Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) has improved with each of his runs this preparation and third-up should be at his peak. He also loves this course and distance.

Buffalo River (USA) (Noble Mission {GB}) was runner-up in the Toorak, but does meet the winner 1kg worse off although he still seems sure to run well.

Cascadian (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) made up late ground to be not far away in the Toorak and luck from an awkward gate could see him as a potential upset hope, while Age Of Chivalry (NZ) (Mr Remarkable {NZ}) also has a poor gate, but is tough and genuine.

Yulong Prince (SAF) (Gimmethegreenlight) was fourth in the G1 Epsom H. and deserves consideration on that effort and Rock (Pierro) came from the tail for seventh in the Epsom and the wide-open spaces of Flemington should suit him.

Mare deserves respect

G1 TAB Empire Rose S., $1,000,000, 1600m

Mystic Journey (Needs Further) was back to her best winning the G2 Stocks S. a little over a month ago and her record suggests he is effective with her races spaced.

The 3-year-olds add interest with the G1 Thousand Guineas winner Odeum (Written Tycoon) the best credentialed and looms as a major threat. Fellow fillies Forbidden Love (All Too Hard) and Chica Fuerte (Hinchinbrook) are also in good touch and with 49kg not out of it.

Nettoyer (Sebring) wasn’t a factor in the G1 Cox Plate and she can be hard to follow, but if caught in the mood she’s more than capable of featuring in the finish.

Madam Rouge (Zoustar) won the G2 Tristarc S. in fine style with the only question mark over her is the mile, but Pretty Brazen (Brazen Beau) is a past 1600 metre winner and brings Group 1 form from the Sir Rupert Clarke to the table.

Chaillot (Testa Rossa) is a gifted and lightly-tried mare who was third in the G3 Ladies’ Day Vase at just her fourth start and she looks open to further improvement.

Personal hard to roll

G2 GH Mumm S., $300,000, 2000m

Personal (Fastnet Rock) has been in fine touch this preparation and followed up a second placing in the G2 Tranquil Star S. with a runner-up finish in the G1 Thousand Guineas. The extra distance should hold no fears and she should be hard to roll.

Agreeable (Sebring) made ground from well back in the running for fifth in the Guineas and is another filly who shapes as a top middle-distance prospect.

Salto Angel (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) is still a maiden, but was strong in the G3 Ethereal S. and stablemates Pensato (Lonhro) and Silhouette (Teofilo {Ire}) were fourth and fifth in that and performed well enough to be considered again.

Miravalle (Redoute’s Choice) was far from disgraced when she finished in behind the major players in the G1 Spring Champion S. and back against her own sex warrants plenty of respect.

Starelle (More Than Ready {USA}) was out of the frame in the Ethereal, but if you forgive that her previous run for second in the G2 Edward Manifold S. was a sound performance.

Kemalpasa favoured

G2 TAB S., $300,000, 1200m

Kemalpasa (Magnus) made all the play out in front in the G2 Gilgai S. over this course and distance and he didn’t flinch under pressure to finish a close third.

Coruscate (Exceed And Excel) is racing in career-best form with back-to-back stakes victories to his credit. He shares topweight of 60kg with Tactical Advantage (Bel Esprit), but it’s hard to ignore his form lines.

Banquo (Written Tycoon) was less than 2l off the winner in the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. and is a leading chance off that effort, while barn mate Order Of Command (Squamosa) didn’t feature in the G2 Schillaci S., but his previous form was consistent enough to weigh up.

Octane (I Am Invincible) doesn’t know how to turn in a bad performance and has a handy pull in the weights and Blazejowski (Dash For Cash) is back from a break and has three first-up wins to his credit.

Powerful hand

G3 Network 10 Carbine Club S., $250,000, 1600m

Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes have two strong contenders here with the in-form pair of Aysar (Deep Field) and Crosshaven (Smart Missile).

They boast Group 1 form with the former runner-up in the Caulfield Guineas and Crosshaven finished fourth so repeat performances will put them right in the frame.

Endanger (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) is a progressive type and was a tidy last-start winner of the Listed Gothic S., in which third placegetter So Let’s Toast (So You Think {NZ}) will also appreciate the step up to a mile.

With two wins from three appearances Embolism (Shamus Award) hasn’t done anything wrong. This is the sternest test of his career, but he presents as a decent place prospect.

Ashrun has right credentials

G3 Lexus Hotham S., $200,000, 2500m

Ashrun (Fr) (Authorized {Ire}) made a good fist of his first Australian performance when fourth in the G3 Geelong Cup. He hit the line strongly and he is a Group 3 winner in France over this distance.

Future Score (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) was a tidy winner of the Listed Cranbourne Cup so he’s in the right form to make the next step up.

Schabau (Ger) (Pastorius {Ger}) has plenty of talent and if he relaxes on a genuine tempo can make his presence felt, while Sound (Ger) (Lando {Ger}) hasn’t won for some time, but does boast solid place form.

Brimham Rocks (GB) (Fastnet Rock) was runner-up in the St Leger at Randwick and a definite place chance on that and Azuro (Fr) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) also stays well and an easing of the track would boost his chances.

Follow Fiteuse

G3 Furphy Sprint, $200,000, 1100m

Fiteuse (Deep Field) was runner-up last time out in the Listed Alinghi S. behind California Zimbol (I Am Invincible) and has a chance to turn the tables with a 1kg weight swing in her favour.

Fiesta (I Am Invincible) won the G3 Northwood Plume S. well enough to stay in her corner while Diamond Effort (Mossman) has been racing particularly well this preparation and there’s every reason to think she’ll go close again.

Prophet’s Thumb (I Am Invincible) looks best saved for one run and will relish a fast tempo and How Womantic (The Wow Signal {Ire}) has barely put a foot wrong in a light career and her consistency will earn her another strong following.

Exhilarates (Snitzel) was a fair sixth when resuming at Caulfield and her second-up record is to be taken seriously – four starts for a win and three placings.

Stage is set

G3 TABTOUCH Prince Of Wales S., $150,000, 1000m

Stageman (Written Tycoon) hit the line well when resuming to finish third in the Listed Crawford S. so he’s sure to be improved for the run and with three second-up successes to his credit he looks sure to go well.

Malibu Style (Magnus) may be in the veteran stage, but he’s a tough and durable sprinter and his form in Victoria last preparation was sound. A lead-up trial win suggests he is in good order for his return.

Mervyn (Henny Hughes {USA}) is genuine and his effort for runner-up in the Crawford S. puts him in contention again while Flower Of War (War Chant {USA}) has two runs under her belt so should be close to an improved performance.

Valour Road (Frost Giant {USA}) is a quality sprinter at best and he can be expected to strip a lot sharper for his first-up run when a close sixth in the Crawford S. Half of his six victories have come at this track and he’s a winner at the distance.

Inspirational mare

G3 Hosemasters Asian Beau S., $150,000, 1400m

Inspirational Girl (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) is a highly-promising mare with seven victories on the board from nine appearances. She was a dominant winner in lesser company last time out and looks ready to take the next step up.

Taxagano (Rogano) was a shock winner when resuming in the G3 Northerley S. and he has performed well second-up in the past so there’s no reason he can’t go close again.

Red Can Man (Gingerbread Man) has been below par in his last two starts, but he is too good to drop just yet, while Cup Night (Maschino) has been solid in his last two outings and a similar performance would have him in the frame.

Too Close The Sun (Carlton House {USA}) showed excellent staying form in Victoria last campaign and he has proved effective off a break before while Man Booker (Discorsi) wasn’t sighted on his return, but has won three times in the past following a resuming run.

To have your foal featured, send a landscape-oriented image to olivia@tdnausnz.com.au

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The first Southern Hemisphere foals by US Triple Crown winner Justify

1/7

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 have settled on a pair of well-performed 3-year-olds with Group 1 pedigrees to back their claims at Flemington and at Rosehill, we like the chances of a filly maintaining her perfect record..

Flemington, Race 1, 11.40am AEDT, Network 10 Carbine Club S., $250,000, 1600m

Aysar (Deep Field) has already emphasised his quality with two wins in a brief career and at his most recent appearance, he finished a close second in the G1 Caulfield Guineas. A repeat performance would undoubtedly see him the colt to beat in this line-up.

The Lindsay Park representative is the first race day representative of Miss Interiors (Flying Spur), who is a half-sister to the two-time Group 1 winner and sire Russian Revolution and the G3 Frances Tressady S. winner Turbo Miss (Sebring). It is also a family of the Group 1 winners and champion sires Encosta De Lago and Flying Spur.

Flemington, Race 2, 12.20pm AEDT, GH Mumm Wakeful S., $300,000, 2000m

Salto Angel (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) stepped out in the G3 Ethereal S. at just her fourth appearance off the back of runner-up finishes in maiden company and she handled the rise in class with aplomb when a solid second. She is improving all the time and looks a sound each-way hope.

Confidence can also be drawn from her pedigree as the filly is a half-sister to G1 Queensland Oaks winner Miss Keepsake (NZ) (Keeper) and the G2 Japan-New Zealand International Trophy winner Villifye (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}). Their dam Miss Tripos (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}) is a sister to the multiple Group 1 winner and successful sire Grosvenor (NZ) and the family of the former Australian Horse of the Year and champion sire Lonhro.

Rosehill, Race 2, 12.40pm AEDT, Schweppes H., $125,000, 1400m

Fortune Seeker (Written Tycoon) has started her career in sensational style and comes here with an unbeaten record to protect. The filly has improved with each run and beat a handy line-up last time out so there’s no reason to think she can’t give this field a run for their money.

She is trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and purchased by them out of Newgate’s draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $250,000. Fortune Seeker is a daughter of No Looking Back (Redoute’s Choice), who won the Listed Carrington S. and was runner-up in the G1 Blue Diamond S. and all three of her foals to race have been successful. It is the family of the two-time Group 1 winner Malaguerra (Magnus) and the G1 Champagne S. winner Seabrook (Hinchinbrook).

We hope you enjoyed reading today's edition of TDN AusNZ. If you have any feedback or ideas, please don't hesitate to reach out.

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