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 will aim to give you something to follow.
Today, at Canberra we’re in the corner of a half-brother to a star of Hong Kong racing and an expensive colt who will enjoy a drop back in grade. At Ascot, we like the feature race chances of a filly who has made an impressive start to her career.
Canberra, Race 1, 1.20pm AEDT, Landhq H., $30,000, 1200m
The well-related Quiet Riot (Fastnet Rock) has been taken along quietly by trainer Bjorn Baker and following a debut victory at Warwick Farm was turned out after finishing fourth at Canterbury Park. The 4-year-old has been given two trials to ready him for his return and from a handy gate can successfully resume.
Quiet Riot as a yearling
Quiet Riot was a $200,000 buy for Baker at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where he was offered by Element Hill. He is a half-brother to the star Hong Kong galloper Golden Sixty (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}), winner of three Group 1 titles. Their dam Gaudeamus (USA) (Distorted Humor {USA}) won the G2 Debutante S. in Ireland and is from the family of the former champion European filly Bosra Sham (USA) (Woodman {USA}) and her brother, the multiple Group 1 winner and sire Hector Protector (USA).
Canberra, Race 7, 5.10pm AEDT, G3 John McGrath Auto Black Opal S., $250,000, 1200m
Bred and sold by Manx Park, Construct (I Am Invincible) was purchased for $650,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by the China Horse Club, Newgate Bloodstock and Stonestreet. He is the first to race for the four-time winner Martindale Hall (Lonhro), a daughter of the 2-year-old winner and G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Fillies) and G3 Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies) placegetter Romantic Flyer (Flying Spur).
Construct as a yearling
Construct is prepared by Peter and Paul Snowden and, while still a maiden, has performed with distinction in stronger fields than this. He was a debut second in the G3 Breeders’ Plate and last time out he was seventh, but only 4l off the winner Artorius (Flying Artie) in the G1 Blue Diamond S. That form will make him ultra-competitive in this.
Ascot, Race 7, 4.55pm AEDT, Listed Supremacy S., $100,000, 1000m
Heavenly Waters (Headwater) has already showed a good return on a modest investment with a strong start to her career. She was the debut winner of the Crystal Slipper over this course and has since added two further placings, including a gallant last-start second in the R. Listed Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic.
Heavenly Waters as a yearling
She is trained by Roy Rogers, who bought the filly out of Secret View Thoroughbreds’ draft at the Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale for just $9000. She is a daughter of the Snitzel mare Serafina who is a half-sister to the multiple winner and stakes performer Andromache (Charge Forward). Their dam is the two-time South African Group 1 winner Mythical Play (NZ) (Defensive Play {USA}).
