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 Monday, public holiday racing sees us at Warwick Farm, where a half-brother to a Group 1 winner debuts, and at Mornington where a couple of strong performances from recent jump-outs step out for their first starts.
Warwick Farm, Race 1, 12.50pm AEST, Robrick Lodge H., $60,000, 1200m
The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained Tyrol (Snitzel) has looked very good as his three trials ahead of his debut, winning all three of them. In his latest, he hit the line with a full head of steam at Rosehill to win with ease.
Tyrol as a yearling
He carries a bit of recommendation on pedigree, being a half-brother to Group 1 winner Dear Demi (Dehere {USA}), making him a grandson of G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Merlene (Danehill {USA}). His third dam, Bold Promise (Luskin Star), was also a star juvenile, and produced Group 1 winner Miss Pennymoney (Brocco {USA}) as well as Group 2 winner Compulsion (Danehill {USA}), the grandam of Newgate stallion Capitalist. He cost Ryan $400,000 at the 2019 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.
Mornington, Race 2, 1pm AEST, Quayclean Plate, $60,000, 1200m
Arentree (Territories {Ire}), trained by Chris Meagher, looks well-poised to become the second Australian winner for his sire, who had his first at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday. On the back of his slick jump-out at Mornington, where he jumped to the front and gave no-one else a chance, cruising a comfortable win.
Arentree as a yearling
He was a $60,000 buy for Meagher Racing from the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Willow Park Stud. He is out of Autumn (NZ) (O'Reilly {NZ}), the half-sister to Group 3 winner Stratofortress (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}). The extended family includes Group 1 winner The A Train (NZ) (Blues Traveller {Ire}) and stakes-placed King Of Hastings (Ilovethiscity).
Mornington, Race 3, 1.35pm AEST, StrideFree Ron Hutchinson H. $60,000, 1200m
Anthony and Sam Freedman present Beagle (Pride Of Dubai) for his first start. He tackled the same Mornington jump-out as the above mentioned Arentree and caught the eye, finishing very strongly. In-form Jamie Kah gets the ride on him on debut.
Beagle as a yearling
He cost $85,000 out of the Kenmore Lodge draft at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and is the first foal from five-time winner Kennocha (Lonhro), a sister to Group 3 winner Celts, who is the dam of Godolphin stakes winners La Tene (Helmet) and Gaulois (Street Cry {Ire}).
