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.
Today, we like the chances at Randwick of a lightly raced 3-year-old taking on stakes company and a well-related colt taking aim at a Group 1 prize. At Caulfield, we zero in on a filly whose immediate pedigree features the outstanding mare Black Caviar (Bel Esprit).
Randwick, Race 3, 1.10pm AEST, G3 ACY Securities Frank Packer Plate, $160,000, 2000m
Team Hawkes took a leap of faith with Santadeal (Dundeel {NZ}) when they stepped him up to 200 metres at Ballarat following a debut second over 1400 metres and was rewarded with victory. He is set another stiff task here, but is obviously a progressive type who can shine again.
Santadeal as a yearling
Bred by Arrowfield Stud, Santadeal was an $850,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase and is the first representative to race for the Fastnet Rock mare Santa Rocks, who was successful on three occasions. She is a half-sister to the three-time Group 1 winner and successful sire Harlan’s Holiday (USA) and the family of European Group winners Fordham (USA) (Forli {USA}), Burden Of Proof (Ire) (Fairy King {USA}) and Lords (USA) (Hoist The Flag {USA}).
Randwick, Race 6, 2.55pm AEST, G1 Moet & Chandon Champagne S., $500,000, 1600m
Arnaquer (Astern) is raced by breeder Woodpark Stud and is a half-brother to the G2 Todman S. winner Aylmerton (Siyouni {Fr}). They are sons of Aloona (USA) (Smart Strike {USA}) and she is a half-sister to the G3 Blue Wind S. winner Galatee (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who has produced a trio of stakes winners.
Arnaquer as a yearling
It is also the highly performed family of multiple Group 1 winners and sires Artiste Royal (Ire) and Arcangues (USA). Trained by Jean Dubois, Arnaquer was successful on debut at Kembla Grange and then hit the line well for fourth in the Listed Fernhill H. He looks like he is still open to improvement and the colt appeals as a strong chance.
Caulfield, Race 1, 12.15pm AEST, Wilde Racing H., $125,000, 1100m
Gimme Par (Not A Single Doubt) was set a stiff challenge on debut in the Listed Talindert S. at Flemington and she did particularly well to finish runner-up. She has been given plenty of time to get over that and will no doubt return a much-improved filly for trainer Peter Moody’s patient approach.
Not A Single Doubt, sire of Gimme Par | Pensioned at Arrowfield Stud
Bred and raced by Gilgai Farm, Gimme Par has a mouth-watering pedigree as a half-brother to the two-time Group 1 winner and sire Ole Kirk and they are out of Naturale (Bel Esprit). She is an unraced sister to the Champion mare Black Caviar and a half-sister to the multiple Group 1 winner and successful sire All Too Hard. Two-time top-flight winner and Group 1 producer Magnus is also a member of this family.
