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 Friday, we turn our attention to two well-bred prospects who will be out to break their maiden status in the opening race at their respective meetings, while a $140,000 daughter of Vancouver steps out at Coffs Harbour on debut off the back of two pleasing trials.
Geelong, Race 1, 12.40pm AEST, Bet 365 Top Tote Plus 2YO Fillies Mdn Plate, $23,000, 1140m
Seonee (Winning Rupert) makes her debut for trainer Patrick Payne after producing a strong Bendigo jump-out win. She maps to get a lovely run from barrier five and can produce a forward showing under talented apprentice Lachlan Neindorf.
Seonee as a yearling
An $80,000 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Seonee is out of the G2 Sweet Embrace S. fourth placegetter Mowgli (Not A Single Doubt), who herself is a half-sister to four-time Hong Kong Group 1 winner Beat The Clock (Hinchinbrook).
Cranbourne, Race 1, 5.30pm AEST, Core Protective Group 2YO Mdn Plate, $35,000, 1000m
Midwest (Zoustar) resumes for the Anthony and Sam Freedman-stable after competing in stakes company at his first two career starts and finishing behind General Beau (Brazen Beau) and Tycoon Humma (Written Tycoon). He is a recent trial winner and can hit the ground running here with Jamie Kah onboard.
Midwest as a yearling
A $200,000 2020 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale purchase by William Johnson Bloodstock, Blue Sky Bloodstock and Rosemont Stud, Midwest is out of the Listed Carlyon S.-placed Umegton (Stratum) who herself is out of Listed winner Edgeton (Racer’s Edge). G1 Coolmore Classic winner Dixie Blossoms (Street Sense {USA}) features in her extended family.
Coffs Harbour, Race 4, 1.15pm AEST, Coffs Kerb & Gutter Mdn Plate, $22,000, 1215m
The Toby Edmonds stable will unveil talented filly Festivaa (Vancouver) on debut here. The 3-year-old has trialled up super for her first career start and can run a big race with 2kg claimer Zac Llyod on her back.
Festivaa as a yearling
A $140,000 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Festivaa is out of a half-sister to Group 1 runner-up Alyaasaat (Dawn Approach {Ire}). She also hails from the extended family of dual American Group 1 winner Questing (GB) (Hard Spun {USA}).
