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.
Today, we like the chances of a pair of 2-year-olds who have trialled well ahead of their first raceday appearances while at Ladbrokes Park we’re in the camp of a filly who we are expecting to improve on a placing when resuming off a break.
Kensington, Race 1, 12.50pm AEST, Vinery Stud Plate, $50,000, 1100m
Trial form suggests Huesca (Not A Single Doubt) is going to give a bold sight on debut if he can cross without too much exertion from an awkward barrier. The colt has won both of his matinee outings at Randwick, the last of them in the hands of Brenton Avdulla, who takes the ride again.
Huesca as a yearling
Huesca was bred by Emirates Park and sold through Aquis’ draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $200,000 to Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott Racing and Mt Hallowell Stud. He is a son of Highdini (Bernardini {USA}) and she is out of a sister to the three-time Group 1 winner Shameka (Secret Savings {USA}), the dam of the dual Group 2 winner Shumookh (Dream Ahead {USA}). The multiple Group 2 winner, Group 1 placegetter and sire Brave Warrior also features on the pedigree page.
Kensington, Race 2, 1.25pm AEST, The Agency Real Estate Plate, $50,000, 1100m
Marishiten (Astern) has placed in both of her recent trials for trainer John Thompson and from barrier six looks well placed to give a good account of herself at the first time of asking. The filly also has a pedigree to draw confidence from.
Marishiten as a yearling
She is a half-sister to the Listed Rosebud H. winner and G1 Golden Rose S. placegetter Sebring Sun (Sebring) with their dam the French Deputy (USA) mare Soleil Royale. She is a half-sister to the G1 Clairwood Mercury Sprint winner War Artist (Orpen {USA}) and he also finished runner-up in the G1 Royal Ascot Golden Jubilee S. His half-brother Saschenka (Orientate {USA}) was a multiple winner and finished third in the G1 AJC Sires’ Produce S.
Ladbrokes Park, Race 2, 1pm AEST, Tile Importer H., $50,000, 1300m
Crazy Ladies (Snitzel) finished runner-up at Caulfield on Boxing Day in one of her two appearances before she was sent for a break. The filly resumed last month at Ballarat where she coped with a rain-affected surface to finish third and will no doubt be improved by the outing and expected to be more competitive this time.
Crazy Ladies as a yearling
Offered by breeder Fernrigg Farm at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Crazy Ladies was purchased by trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young for $200,000. Her dam Marcia Proba (Falbrav {Ire}) is a half-sister to the G1 The Galaxy H. winner Sweet Idea (Snitzel) and her brother Showtime was successful in the G2 Bill Stutt S. and twice placed at Group 1 level before his retirement to stud.
