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 Thursday, a Godolphin filly out of the blue hen mare Essaouira (Exceed And Excel) will be looking to break her maiden at start number three when she steps out at Wyong, while an expensive yearling purchase will make his debut on the same program for trainer Bjorn Baker and connections.
Wyong, Race 1, 11.55am AEST, Ainsworth Gaming Technology Mdn H., $35,000, 1600m
Tangier (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) looks well-placed here at start number three, the lightly raced 3-year-old was only beaten 0.6l last start at Kembla Grange and should appreciate stepping out beyond 1400 metres third-up. Leading hoop Rachel King can push forward aboard the James Cummings-trained talent from barrier one.
Medaglia D'Oro (USA), sire of Tangier | Standing at Darley America
A Godolphin homebred, Tangier is a sister to G1 Golden Rose S. winner and Darley freshman sire Astern. She is also a half-sister to the three-time Group 1 winner Alizee (Sepoy), G2 Silver Slipper runner-up and Newgate stallion Tassort and the Group 3 placegetter Mogador (Lonhro).
Tangier’s dam Essaouira is out of the Group 2 winner Alizes (NZ) (Rory’s Jester) and hails from the extended family of Champion filly Triscay (Marscay).
Wyong, Race 3, 1.15pm AEST, The Ary Toukley 3YO Mdn H., $35,000, 1100m
Da Nang Star (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}) has trialled up superbly for his first career start. The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding won his most recent trial at Kembla Grange over 800 metres by 3.5l and looks capable of giving sight out in front under Rachel King.
Da Nang Star as a yearling
A $475,000 2019 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale purchase, Da Nang Star is out of the G2 Hill S. and G3 Express S. winner Miss Marielle (Encosta De Lago), who herself is a half-sister to G2 Stan Fox S., dual Group 1 placegetter and Group 1-producing stallion Eurozone.
Miss Marielle’s dam Miss Vandal (Don’t Say Halo {USA}) is a Group 3-winning half-sister to the grandam of Listed winner and G3 Sir John Monash S. third placegetter I Am Someone (Onemorenomore).
Nowra, Race 3, 1.35pm AEST, KNK Builders Mdn Plate, $22,000, 1000m
Lily Elsie (Capitalist) has shown plenty of ability on the trial circuit in preparation for her first career start. The Matthew Smith-trained 2-year-old finished third in an 895 metre trial last month before winning her most recent trial over 900 metres at Rosehill. She looks forward enough to be right in the mix despite drawing wide in barrier nine.
Lily Elsie as a yearling
A $140,000 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale purchase, Lily Elsie is the first progeny of American Listed winner and Group 3 third-placegetter Cadet Roni (USA) (Colonel John {USA}), who herself hails from a third damline enriched with European stakes performers, including G1 Doncaster Racing Post Trophy runner-up Aloft (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).
Australian Group 3 winner Le Juge (Ire) (Dansili {GB}) also features in Cadet Roni’s third damline.
