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 Thursday, we have a promising 3-year-old from the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr yard resuming, while in the evening at Pakenham, an imported Camelot (GB) colt debuts for Danny O'Brien.
Spendthrift Australia Park, Race 4, 3pm AEDT, Tobin Brothers Mdn, $23,000, 1629m
Laughing Grizzley (Sebring) made solid progress without winning in his first campaign, having been close-up in two maidens before taking on Listed company, where he competed with some merit. Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr drop him back again in grade off a recent trial at Benalla, where he worked home nicely from back in the field.
Laughing Grizzley as a yearling
He was purchased for $230,000 from the Kia Ora Stud draft at the 2019 Magic Millions Yearling Sale and is a half-brother to Listed winner Eagle Island (Fastnet Rock). They are out of the stakes winner and Group 1-placed mare, Banc De Fortune (Galileo {Ire}), who is in turn out of the multiple Group 1 winner Danendri (Danehill {USA}).
Sportsbet-Pakenham, Race 2, 6:30pm AEDT, Watch Live On Sportsbet 3YO Mdn, $35,000, 1400m
First starter Hengroen (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) creates plenty of interest here given the way in which trainer Danny O'Brien was able to progress another son of Camelot, Russian Camelot (Ire) through the ranks 12 months ago to become a Group 1 winner. Group 1 Bloodstock paid €110,000 (AU$170,000) for this colt at the 2019 Arqana October Sale.
Hengroen (Ire) as a yearling
He is out Princess Aurora (USA) (Mr Greeley {USA}), who is an unraced half-sister to stakes winners Willard Straight (USA) (Lion Cavern {USA}) and Jesse's Justice (USA) (Lear's Fan {USA}). This colt had a recent trial over 1000 metres, where he never really got warm, and the 1400 metres first-up looks better for him to show his credentials.
