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 are expecting a Chris Waller-trained juvenile to successfully resume at Randwick where we also like the chances of a progressive stablemate to remain unbeaten this campaign. At Caulfield, we like the chances of a talented filly’s prospects at stakes level.
Randwick, Race 1, 1pm AEDT, Darley Lonhro Plate, $140,000, 1000m
The Chris Waller-trained Conexy (Nicconi) proved himself to be a sharp youngster during his first preparation in Queensland with a debut second and at his next outing at Doomben beat Baby Wong (Press Statement), who was a subsequent dual black-type placegetter.
Nicconi, sire of Conexy | Standing at Widden Stud
He has enjoyed a trial outing ahead of resuming and from the inside gate with Hugh Bowman in the saddle looks set to return in a blaze of glory. He is a son of Fast And Sexy (Fastnet Rock), who was a 2-year-old winner and third in the G1 Champagne S. She is out of a half-sister to the Listed Desirable S. winner Hillfa (Danehill {USA}) and the family of the G2 Eight Carat Classic winner Contessa Vanessa (NZ) (Bullbars).
Randwick, Race 4, 2.45pm AEDT, Ranvet H., $125,000, 1300m
Waller also looks to have a top chance here in April Rain (Pierro), a lightly-tried mare who is undefeated this preparation. This is another step-up for the 4-year-old, but in her current touch can rise to the challenge again in the hands of James McDonald.
April Rain as a yearling
April Rain was bought out of Coolmore’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale draft for $500,000 by Hermitage Thoroughbreds, Waller Racing and Mulcaster Bloodstock. She is a half-sister to the dual Listed winner Black Minx (Lonhro), who has produced the two-time Group 3 winner So Si Bon (So You Think {NZ}), also a multiple Group 1 placegetter and the family of Global Exchange (Dundeel {NZ}). He has won twice at Group 2 level.
Caulfield, Race 2, 1.15pm AEDT, G2 Neds Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies), $200,000, 1100m
Bird Of Dubai (Pride Of Dubai) has yet to win, but has showed plenty of promise and this would be a timely contest in which to lose her maiden status. She rushed home for fourth in the Listed Debutant S. in her only appearance in the spring and was then runner-up when resuming at Moonee Valley. The filly was beaten there by Telluride (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}), a race rival again, and with the benefit of that outing can be far more competitive this time.
Pride Of Dubai, sire of Bird Of Dubai | Standing at Coolmore
A half-sister to a pair of winners, including the Group performer Firehouse Rock (Fastnet Rock), the Phillip Stokes-prepared Bird Of Dubai is a daughter of Bird Of Fire (Stravinsky {USA}), who won at Group 2 level in the Matriarch S. and the Queen of the South S. She is a half-sister to the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas runner-up Abeautifulred (NZ) (Handsome Ransom), dam of the dual Listed winner Excelleration (Exceed And Excel).
