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 in the corner of a patiently-handled maiden contender at Werribee who placed in his lead-up run and a filly who looks set to go one better on a previous runner-up finish. At Doomben, we strongly fancy a 3-year-old with a pedigree to instill confidence.
Werribee, Race 2, 2pm AEDT, Lawrence & Hansen Plate, $35,000, 1415m
Limpet (Real Impact {Jpn}) is a half-brother to the G2 Thousand Guineas Prelude and Listed Cap d’Antibes S. winner Afleet Esprit (Bel Esprit). They are out of Bonded (Danewin), successful on four occasions, and she is a daughter of the stakes performer Betta Fortune (Luskin Star) who is a half-sister to the black-type winners Triple Gold (NZ) (Gold Crest {USA}) and It’s A Miracle (NZ) (Hula Chief {NZ}).
Prepared by Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra, Limpet placed during a brief winter campaign and resumed at Caulfield earlier this month where he worked to the line strongly to finish third. The 3-year-old is sure to be sharper for that outing and from a perfect barrier (two) should be hard to roll.
Werribee, Race 3, 2.30pm AEDT, McLean Water Works Plate, $35,000, 1615m
Share The Rhythm (Written Tycoon) showed she was a quick learner when she came off an unplaced debut run to finish runner-up at Cranbourne. There was support for her there and it may pay to follow the money again as the 3-year-old has a handy barrier and will be partnered by Michael Walker.
The filly was bred by Noorilim Park and offered by Willow Park Stud at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale where she was knocked down to co-trainer Mick Price for $160,000. Her dam Minaj (NZ) (Commands) was a two-time winner at Listed level and is a half-sister to the handy Shenandoah (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), a multiple winner and Group placegetter. It’s also a family littered with North American black-type winners.
Doomben, Race 2, 1.45pm, Best Bred Booms Sell In 2012 QTIS 3YO, $35,000, 1660m
Divulge (Spill The Beans) is a well-related chestnut who was offered at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by breeder Arrowfield Stud and bought by Aquis and Tony Gollan Racing for $170,000. He is a son of Khameela (Hussonet {USA}) and she is a winning half-sister to the multiple Group 2 winner and G1 Oakleigh Plater runner-up Faatinah (Nicconi).
The pedigree page also features the former New Zealand Horse of the Year and multiple Group 1 winner King’s Chapel (NZ) (King Of Kings {Ire}) and the G2 Prix Maurice de Gheest winner and sire College Chapel (GB). Divulge was a debut second for Gollan at Ipswich earlier this month and the way he found the line over 1350 metres suggests he will find the step up in trip right up his alley.
