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 at Gosford of a lightly-tried maiden contender, an expensive colt on debut and a filly who looks set to break through following a runner-up finish at her most recent appearance.
Gosford, Race 1, 1.25pm AEDT, Pirtek Central Mdn, $35,000, 1900m
This distance will be ideal for Don Arcangelo (Savabeel), who has made ground late to finish in behind the major players in both of his appearances. The John O’Shea-trained colt is sure to lap up the 1900 metres and with Tommy Berry in the saddle they make strong appeal as a winning combination.
Savabeel, sire of Don Arcangelo | Standing at Waikato Stud
Don Arcangelo is out of More Than Faith (More Than Ready {USA}) and she won twice and finished runner-up in the Listed Reginal Allen H. She is a half-sister to the dual stakes winner Black Minx (Lonhro), whose son So Si Bon (So You Think {NZ}) is a G3 Aurie’s Star H. winner and four times placed at Group 1 level. Also on the pedigree page is the dual Group 2 winner Global Exchange (Dundeel {NZ}).
Gosford, Race 3, 2.40pm AEDT, School Formals @ The EG H., $35,000, 1200m
Controvert (I Am Invincible) was offered by Torryburn Stud at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale where he was knocked down to James Harron Bloodstock for $1.2 million. A half-brother to the winner and Group 3 performer Black Beans (Deep Field), the colt is out of the unraced Fastnet Rock mare Mrs Boxall.
Controvert as a yearling
The dam is a half-sister to Miss Gai Flyer (Flying Spur), winner of two Listed events, and the family of the G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Ha Ha (Danehill {USA}), the G1 Champagne S. winner Go Indy Go (Bernardini {USA}) and the G1 Caulfield Cup winner Southern Speed (Southern Image {USA}). Controvert is trained by Peter and Paul Snowden and a rich pedigree combined with winning trial form makes the colt worth following.
Gosford, Race 4, 3.20pm AEDT, Christmas Functions @ The EG H., $35,000, 1100m
The Mark Newnham-prepared That’s Better (Exceed And Excel) was bought out of Amarina Farm’s Easter Sale draft for $300,000 by Domeland and is a sister to the dual Group 3 winner Thermal Current and the Listed Queen Adelaide S. winner Forever Free.
That's Better as a yearling
Their dam Soaressa (Twining {USA}) won the Listed Proud Miss S. and she is a half-sister to the G1 Queensland Derby winner Eagle Way (More Than Ready {USA}) and the Listed winners Assertive Eagle (Danewin) and Impressive Eagle (Rubiton). That’s Better finished sixth on debut before she was spelled and showed the benefit of a break when she finished runner-up when resuming at Gosford. She has proved adept on rain-affected going and looks a good bet to go one better here.
