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, we’re expecting a filly who finished runner-up on debut to go one better at Grafton and at Yarra Valley we like the prospects of a pair of maiden contenders who ran well at their first appearances and have the pedigrees to instil further confidence in their chances.
Grafton, Race 2, 1.25pm AEDT, Clarence Coast Air Conditioning Plate, $22,000, 1015m
Stellar Magic (Star Turn) has the benefit of race experience and did a fine job at her only appearance to close late for second at Eagle Farm. That was back in October and the filly has finished runner-up in a recent trial to fit her for her return.
Stellar Magic as a yearling
Trained by Steven O’Dea and Matthew Hoysted, Stellar Magic was bred by Yarraman Park Stud and sold at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale for $100,000 to Proven Thoroughbreds and O’Dea Racing. She is a half-sister to a pair of multiple winners and their dam is Al’s Magic Miss (Magic Albert), who won twice as a 2-year-old and placed in the Listed Heritage S. The Listed Debutante S. winner Carlton Spirit (Fraar {USA}) added further juvenile form to the family roll of honour.
Yarra Valley, Race 1, 1pm AEDT, De Bortoli Plate, $35,000, 1200m
The John and Chris Leger-prepared Dynamic Sensation (Magnus) was excellent on debut last month when he finished third at Wangaratta. He has a wide gate to overcome, but with a little early luck in the running the 3-year-old should be a major player under rider Noel allow.
Magnus, sire of Dynamic Sensation | Standing at Sun Stud
Dynamic Sensation is the first foal of the unraced Wanted mare Bounty Girl and she is out of a sister to the Listed Red Roses S. winner Red Labelle (Blevic), who has produced the black-type winners Strawberry Field (Encosta De Lago) and Pellizotti (Stratum). The G2 Autumn Classic winner Silver Glade (Kenmare {Fr}) is also a member of this family.
Yarra Valley, Race 2, 1.40pm AEDT, Centonove Plate, $35,000, 1200m
Clifette (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) was the subject of heavy support in her first public appearance at Kilmore where she wasn’t far away when sixth. She will derive benefit from that outing and it may pay to follow the money on the Cindy Alderson-trained mare.
Canford Cliffs (Ire), sire of Clifette | Standing at Blue Gum Farm
A half-sister to five winners, Clifette is out of Absorb (Redoute’s Choice) and she is a sister to the dam of the two-time Group 1 winner Purple (Commands). The pedigree page also features the elite level-winning siblings Sovereign Red (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}), Gurner’s Lane (NZ) and Trichelle (NZ) and the Centaine mare Foxwood (NZ), another Group 1 winner.
