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 a Mike Moroney-trained filly stepping out at Cranbourne, at the same track we have our eye on a Fastnet Rock representative, while at Warrnambool a Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock purchase has our attention.
Cranbourne, Race 1, 5.30pm AEDT, Ctc Restaurant At Home Maiden, $35,000, 1200m
The Mike Moroney-trained Chawinda (Zoustar) was purchased by Paul Moroney and Ballymore Stables for $240,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and will become the second foal to race out of winning mare Lunar Snitzel (Snitzel).
Chawinda as a yearling
Lunar Snitzel is out of Run To The Moon (USA) (Arch {USA}), making her a sister to multiple Group winner and Twin Hills Stud resident Odyssey Moon. Further back, this is also the family of dual American Grade 1 winner Jostle (USA) (Brocco {USA}).
Cranbourne, Race 2, 6pm AEDT, Tac Be Races Ready Maiden P., $35,000, 1500m
Vida Rose (Fastnet Rock), who is trained by Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes, was purchased by Lindsay Park Racing and Andrew Williams Bloodstock for $300,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale and will become the first foal to race out of G3 Caulfield Classic winner Sacred Eye (High Chaparral {Ire}).
Sacred Eye is out of Group 3 winner Musidora (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), who is also responsible for dual Group 3 winner Tulip (Pierro) and Group 1 performer Sikorsky (Pierro).
Vida Rose as a yearling
Warrnambool, Race 6, 4pm AEDT, Murrihy Demolitions H., $22,000, 1700m
Playoffs (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) was bought by Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock for NZ$230,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling from the draft of Cambridge Stud and is one of three winners from three to race out of Lazaan (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), who is also responsible for Group 3 placegetter Divine Power (NZ) (Power {GB}).
Lazaan herself is out of champion New Zealand mare Lashed (Encosta De Lago), who won seven times, including three Group 1s, and placed at Group 1 level on several other occasions. Further back, this is also the family of triple Group 1 winner Shogun Lodge (Grand Lodge {USA}), G1 Oakleigh Plate winner Singing The Blues (Bluebird {USA}) and G1 George Ryder S. winner Referral (Dr Grace {NZ}).
The late Tavistock (NZ), sire of Playoffs (NZ)
