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 take closer looks at a pair of 3-year-olds who look poised for success at the Goulburn meeting and at Mornington we are in the corner of a well-related filly making her debut.
Goulburn, Race 1, 1.15pm AEDT, Storage King Goulburn Showcase H., $30,000, 1600m
The Matthew Smith-trained She’s Justified (Vancouver) hasn’t been far away in her last two appearances and the lightly-tried filly has a golden opportunity here to break through. She also races as though the step up to a mile can bring about the desired result.
Vancouver, sire of She's Justified | Standing at Coolmore
She is a half-sister to the dual Group 2 winner Mahuta (Flying Spur) and to the Listed Chester Manifold S. winner Anlon (Stratum) with their dam the unraced Zabeel (NZ) mare Vahine (NZ). She is a half-sister to the G1 Champagne S. winner Isolda (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}), dam of the G3 Hobart Cup winner Bid Spotter (Redoute’s Choice).
Goulburn, Race 5, 3.35pm AEDT, Jewell Builders Showcase H., $30,000, 1600m
Arctic Thunder (Headwater) was secured for only $30,000 out of Vinery Stud’s draft at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and that is proving to be a smart piece of business. She has won two of her three starts and in between times finished second and she looks more than capable of adding to her record in this.
Arctic Thunder as a yearling
Trained by Gary Portelli, Arctic Thunder is a daughter of Artic Success (Big Brown {USA}) and she is a half-sister to the G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Polar Success (NZ) (Success Express {USA}), who has produced eight winners. This is also the family of Sambro (Fastnet Rock), successful in the G2 Queensland Guineas and the G3 Hawkesbury Guineas.
Mornington, Race 2, 1.30pm AEDT, McLeod Trees Plate, $35,000, 1200m
Passionate Lass (Sebring) makes her first start here and she has looked sharp at the trials with three appearances resulting in a brace of wins and a runner-up finish. The filly’s quest for a perfect start to her career has also been boosted by drawing the inside alley.
Passionate Lass as a yearling
Prepared by Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes, the 3-year-old was a $120,000 purchase at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale where she was offered by Widden Stud. She is a sister to the multiple winner and Group 3 performer Motown Lil with their dam Tigress Lily (Zabeel {NZ}) successful on four occasions. She is a daughter of the G2 Edward Manifold S. winner and G1 VRC Oaks runner-up Empress Lily (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and the second dam Tycoon Lil (NZ) (Last Tycoon {Ire}) was a three-time Group 1 winner.
