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, at Spendthrift Park, we are in the corner of a brother to an international Group 1 winner and a resuming filly who impressed during her first preparation. At Grafton, we like the chances of a well-related I Am Invincible filly on debut.
Spendthrift Park, Race 1, 12.15pm AEST, Sherriffs Cranetrucks Plate, $35,000, 1100m
Gulf Of Aden (Exceed And Excel) was offered at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale by Blue Gum Farm and knocked down to Sun Bloodstock for $280,000. He is a brother to the G1 Meydan Al Quoz Sprint winner Amber Sky, who was also a Champion Griffin in Hong Kong. Their dam Truly Wicked (Rubiton) won five races, including the G2 Champagne S. and was third in the G1 Swettenham Stud S.
Gulf Of Aden as a yearling
Truly Wicked is out of a sister to the G3 Drumstick Gold Plate winner Ticket To Rome (At Talaq {USA}) and it is also the family of the G2 SAJC Breeders’ S. winner Great Glen (Regal Classic {Can}). Gulf Of Eden is trained by Chris Waller and following a debut fifth was spelled and returned to finish fourth at Sale. With the benefit of that outing, the colt should prove far more competitive here.
Spendthrift Park, Race 4, 2.10pm AEST, Cor Cordis H., $35,000, 1400m
Polina (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) was bought out of The Oaks Stud’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale draft by co-trainer Ciaron Maher for NZ$75,000 and is a half-sister to the dual Group 2 winner Platinum Princess (NZ) (Keeper). They are out of the unraced Machiavellian (USA) mare Merle Park (USA) with the two-time Group 3 winner, G1 Hollywood Derby placegetter and sire Fadeyev (USA) also featuring in her pedigree.
Darci Brahma (NZ), sire of Polina (NZ) | Standing at The Oaks Stud
Polina made a strong start to her career during her first preparation and capped off a run of placed form with a dominant performance to win at Moe. She is coming off a five-month break and has previously run well when fresh so a bold showing is expected with Ben Allen in the saddle.
Grafton, Race 2, 12.10pm AEST, Westlawn Business Loans Plate, $22,000, 1015m
I Am Spirited (I Am Invincible) has had one quiet trial against older opposition at Coffs Harbour to ready her for her first appearance. She will again be ridden by apprentice Georgina McDonnell and from the inside gate they promise to give a bold sight.
I Am Spirited as a yearling
The Neil Osborne-trained I Am Spirited, who twice failed to meet her reserve when offered at both Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sales last year, is a sister to the multiple winner Soul Obsession. Their dam Spirit Mania (Lucky Owners {NZ}) won on three occasions and is a sister to the G2 Schillaci S. winner Alpha Miss and the immediate family of the G3 Tasmanian Derby winner Party Boy (Jeune {GB}) and Rory’s Classic (Rory’s Jester). She won the Listed McDougall S., as did her daughter All Classic (St Covet).
