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 Friday, we are most intrigued by a well-related James Cummings-trained colt making his debut at Geelong along with a fellow juvenile seeking to break his maiden status in the following race on the same program. We also cast our eye over a former Team Hawkes-trained galloper having his first start in Queensland for new connections.
Geelong, Race 2, 1pm AEST, ATC Insurance Solutions 2YO Mdn, $35,000, 1147m
Shirshov (Exosphere) makes his debut after putting in three pleasing trial performances. All of his trials have been on rain-affected surfaces which should hold him in good stead for this contest. He draws in barrier one and is to be ridden by Champion hoop Damien Oliver.
Exosphere, sire of Shirshov | Standing at Oaklands Stud
A Godolphin homebred, Shirshov is out of Arctic Drift (USA) (Gone West {USA}), thus making him a half-brother to the Group 3-winning dam of the ill-fated G1 Epsom Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and G1 Railway S. winner Bounding (Lonhro).
Arctic Drift herself is out of dual American Group 1 winner November Snow (USA) (Snow Cat {USA}).
Geelong, Race 3, 1.30pm AEST, Bay Building Services Mdn, $35,000, 1247m
Sandy Prince (Pride Of Dubai) was narrowly denied in his first two career starts last preparation when finishing 0.1l and 1l second. He hasn’t been seen since running at Ballarat in February. However, with Craig Williams engaged he will be given every chance to shine having drawn barrier five.
Sandy Prince as a yearling
A $200,000 2020 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale purchase by Lindsay Park Racing and Andrew Williams Bloodstock via the draft of Tarcoola Stud, Sandy Prince is out of Sandy Desert (USA) (Line In The Sand {USA}), who herself is out of a half-sister to Group-performed gallopers Royal Med (USA) (Medieval Man {USA}), Millennium (NZ) (Prized {USA}) and Kamsky (Generous {Ire}).
Dubbo, Race 2, 11.55am AEST, McDonalds Dubbo Mdn, $24,000, 1000m
Ostracised (Divine Prophet) makes his debut for trainer Kody Nestor after failing to deliver on his early promise in three Victorian starts for the Team Hawkes-stable. He trialled up superbly late last month and can figure prominently here despite drawing awkwardly in barrier 14.
Divine Prophet, sire of Ostracised | Standing at Aquis Farm
A $375,000 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Ostracised is out of Tellora (Elusive Quality {USA}), thus making him a half-brother to the stakes-performed La Tigeresa (Street Cry {Ire}) and Medieval Miss (Camelot {GB}). His grandam is G3 Matriarch S. third placegetter Terrenora (Encosta De Lago).
Looking Back
Beholder (Deep Field) disappointed on debut finishing second last in a field of seven and unfortunately we were unable to watch two of our runners go around as the Bendigo meeting was abandoned due to heavy rainfall.
