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.
On Friday, we check out two fillies from the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable who make their respective debuts at Sale and Moonee Valley, while at Canterbury, Chris Waller has a 3-year-old who looks set to break his maiden.
Sale, Race 2, 2pm AEDT, Ladbrokes Blended Multi 2YO Mdn, $23,000, 1100m
Metzarro (Pierro) was purchased for $300,000 from last year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by her trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman in partnership with Blue Sky Bloodstock, William Johnson Bloodstock and de Burgh Equine. Her dam, Metza (Jet Spur), is a winning half-sister to G1 Stradbroke H. winner Linton (Galileo {Ire}). Group 2 winner Heatherly (Lonhro) features high up on the pedigree page as well.
Metzarro had a recent jump-out at Balnarring where she tracked wide throughout, but still finished off too strongly for her rivals. That augurs well for her debut here, albeit in what looks a strong 2-year-old race.
Metzarro as a yearling
Canterbury, Race 1, 6.15pm AEDT, ANZ Bloodstock News H., $50,000, 1550m
Mightybeel (NZ) (Savabeel) looks ready to break his maiden at his third start having taken substantial improvement to finish second last time out at Newcastle. He appears a horse who will relish a trip in time and up to 1550 metres here looks the right move for this colt.
Mightybeel (NZ) as a yearling
He was a NZ$200,000 buy from the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka by Go Racing. His dam, Super Power (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}), was unraced but is from a very good family with the second dam, Key Of Future (GB) (Saddlers' Hall {Ire}) a half-sister to Benediction (Ire) (Day Is Done {Ire}), the stakes-placed dam of the champion Might And Power (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}). It's also the extended family of Group 1 winner Mosheen (Fastnet Rock).
Moonee Valley, Race 2, 7pm AEDT, Quest Moonee Valley Plate, $60,000, 1000m
Flying Evelyn (Not A Single Doubt) makes her debut for Anthony and Sam Freedman after a recent jump-out where she was ridden patiently at the back of the field before she pushed through late to win with a little bit of authority. Based on that, you wouldn't think she will be long breaking through for her first win.
Flying Evelyn as a yearling
She was a $500,000 buy for John Sadler Racing at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, however her breeders at Arrowfield Stud remain in the ownership. Her dam, Champagne Run (USA) (More Than Ready {USA}), has produced two winners, including the Group 3 placegetter Cristal Eyes (All Too Hard). Champagne Run is a three-quarter sister to G1 VRC Derby winner Benicio (More Than Ready {USA}) and a half-sister to Group/Grade 2 winners Villermont (All Too Hard) and Fresian Fire (USA) (AP Indy {USA}). The second dam, Bollinger (Dehere {USA}), won a G1 Coolmore Classic.
