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.
On Thursday, we track a trio of debutants, including a Not A Single Doubt colt stepping out for Chris Waller at Kensington, where we also have a Snitzel filly out of a Group 1 winner having her first start, while at Pakenham, a pricy son of American Pharoah (USA) makes his bow for Spendthrift and Team Hawkes.
Kensington, Race 1, 1.15pm AEDT, Earthlight New To Darley Plate, $50,000, 1100m
The Chris Waller-trained colt Best Side (Not A Single Doubt) has had two trials this campaign and seemed to relish the Heavy track in comfortable fashion at Rosehill last week. James McDonald rode him there and stays aboard here for his first start.
Best Side as a yearling
He was purchased for $650,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale by Paul Moroney Bloodstock from the draft of Coolmore Stud. Coolmore remains in the ownership but he debuts here in the colours of Peachester Lodge. He is the fourth foal to the track for Celebrity Appeal (One Cool Cat {USA}), two of which have been winners. His dam is a half-sister to stakes winners Walking Or Dancing (Falvelon) and Irongail (Canny Lad). Group 1 winners Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War {USA}), Hauraki (Reset) and Kidnapped (Viscount) also feature on this page.
Kensington, Race 2, 1.50pm AEDT, Bowermans Commercial Furniture Plate, $50,000, 1100m
Yearning (Snitzel) is another 2-year-old who impressed at last week's Rosehill trials, handling the wet track well in her win and she shapes as the type of horse which can make an impression on her debut here for Team Hawkes.
Snitzel, sire of Yearning | Standing at Arrowfield Stud
She is the first foal from G1 Australian Oaks winner Rising Romance (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}), who was also placed in several other Group 1s including a Caulfield Cup and a G1 New Zealand Derby. On that basis, you’d think her daughter might need a bit of distance and time. She was retained by her breeders at Arrowfield after being withdrawn from the 2020 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
Pakenham, Race 1, 6pm AEDT, Watch Live on Sportsbet 2YO Mdn, $35,000, 1200m
Patton (American Pharoah {USA}) was a $675,000 yearling purchase by Spendthrift Australia from the draft of Attunga Stud at last year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He is the first foal out of G2 Queensland Guineas winner Tsaritsa (Dane Shadow), the half-sister of multiple stakes winner Ninth Legion (Fastnet Rock).
Patton as a yearling
He debuts here for Team Hawkes having been given a quiet hitout in a recent Flemington jump-out, where he finished third but wasn't really tested. He made a similarly low-key appearance the week prior to that as well, so should be fit headed into his first run. He has been installed early-market favourite for this race, which is a sign of some confidence in him.
