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 Wednesday, we look to an expensive Rupert Legh-owned and raced gelding making his debut at Pakenham, a son of first-season sire Astern who holds Queensland Group 1 feature nominations stepping out for the first time, while another debutant steps out in the colours of Lauriston Farm for trainer John McArdle.
Pakenham, Race 2, 1pm AEST, 9Mile Fresh 2YO Mdn, $35,000, 1000m
Tonneofgrit (Winning Rupert) kicks off his career here for the Team Hawkes stable without any public trials. The high-priced juvenile gelding has drawn in barrier 13 and will be ridden by Jye McNeil.
Tonneofgrit as a yearling
A $425,000 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase by Hawkes Racing via the draft of Newgate Farm, Tonneofgrit is the second foal out of American Group 2 and three winner Istanaford (USA) (Istan {USA}). She hails from the extended family of Listed winner and Group 1-fourth Dramatic Joy (USA) (Riverman {USA}).
Warwick Farm, Race 1, 12.50pm AEST, Vinery H., $50,000, 1400m
Dark Rebel (Astern) has trialled impressively for his debut here, having finished third by less than 2l on both occasions. The astute Joshua Parr will take mount from barrier one aboard the Edward Cummings-trained prospect.
Dark Rebel as a yearling
A $120,000 2020 Magic Millions Yearling Sale purchase, Dark Rebel is out of 1100 metre winner She Must be Obeyed (Commands), who herself is out of G3 Auraria S. winner Yvonne (Last Tycoon {Ire}). Three-time G1 Adelaide Cup and G1 Caulfield Cup winner Lord Reims (NZ) (Zamazaan {Fr}) features in her extended family.
Pakenham, Race 3, 1.35pm AEST, Iron Jack Australian Lagers Mdn, $35,000, 1400m
Fashion Guru (I Am Invincible) will step out on debut for trainer John McArdle and his trusty head-hoop Jamie Mott. The well-bred prospect will jump from barrier two in a field of 13.
Fashion Guru as a yearling
Bred by Newhaven Park, Fashion Guru was a $120,000 2019 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale purchase by Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm. He is out of dual Listed-placed Fashion (Encosta De Lago), who herself is out of G1 Blue Diamond S. winner True Jewels (Brief Truce {USA}). This makes her a half-sister to Listed winner and Victoria Derby fourth-placed Villain (Carnegie {Ire}).
