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 Saturday, we follow a trio of well-credentialled debutants, with a son of a stakes-winning filly stepping out for Grahame Begg at Bendigo, a sister to Extreme Choice is to the fore at Newcastle and a Frankel (GB) filly out of a Group 1-winning mare is ready to roll at Flemington.
Bendigo, Race 1, 11.24am AEST, Bendigo Locksmiths 2YO Mdn, $23,000, 1000m
Grahame Begg presents Galaxy Ruler (Zoustar) for his debut having given him a couple of recent jump-outs at Caulfield, where he hasn't been overly taxed. In his most recent appearance, he finished just on the heels of the winner and it would not surprise to see him settle just off the pace and be asked for a strong finish.
Zoustar, sire of Galaxy Ruler | Standing at Widden Stud
Like his stakes-winning dam, Elite Elle (Shamardal {USA}), he is bred and raced by Danny and Carol Watson. Elite Elle, the half-sister to stakes-placed Classic Elle (Reset), has already produced two winners, including the metropolitan winner Propelle (Smart Missile). Her other winning daughter is the Chris Hyland-trained Astronomicelle (Deep Field).
Newcastle, Race 3, 12.46pm AEST, Australian Bloodstock 2YO Mdn, $35,000, 900m
The Godolphin filly Ultra (Not A Single Doubt), a full sister to boom Newgate stallion Extreme Choice, looks set to make an impression at her first start, having won a trial at Hawkesbury and then finished second at a subsequent trial at Randwick. She sat on or close to the pace in both of those hitouts and from the inside barrier here, you can expect her to be up near the front.
Ultra as a yearling
She cost $600,000 from the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, not surprising when you consider that one brother won a G1 Blue Diamond S. and Moir S. and the other, Raise No Doubt, was placed at stakes level and was a winner on eight occasions. It’s noteworthy that the nick of Not A Single Doubt with Hussonet (USA) mares has produced 13 winners and three stakes winners.
Flemington, Race 4, 1.25pm AEST, VRC Member Philip Jacobsen Sprint, $125,000, 1100m
Invincible Caviar (I Am Invincible) will be closely watched here, given she is the daughter of unbeaten superstar Black Caviar (Bel Esprit), but so too will Argentia (Frankel {GB}), for Anthony and Sam Freedman. She is out of a multiple Group 1-winning mare as well, in her case Princess Coup (Encosta De Lago), who already has a stakes winner to her name in Thewizardofoz (Redoute's Choice).
Argentia as a yearling
Argentia cost James Harron $670,000 at last year's Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, and she races in the ownership of John Camilleri of Fairway Thoroughbreds. She looks to have a considerable degree of talent based on her recent Balnarring jump-out, where she edged out a much more experienced stablemate.
