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’ll aim to give you something to follow.
On Thursday, we start out at Coleraine following the Warrnambool card being transferred where a debutant from the family of Not A Single Doubt features, before heading to Kembla Grange where a couple the 3-year-olds by Hinchinbrook are looking for their first victories.
Coleraine, Race 2, 1.30pm AEST, The Midfield Group Mdn, $35,000, 1400m
Darwin's Theory (Dundeel {NZ}) makes his debut here for Patrick Payne having had a couple of recent quiet trials. His most recent trial at Traralgon indicated he should be a galloper that appreciates some ground, after he charged into fourth having being initially left flat-footed.
Darwin's Theory as a yearling
He was a $210,000 purchase for John Foote from the draft of Ampulla Lodge at the 2019 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. His dam, Natural Selection (Choisir), is a half-sister to the Listed winner and G1 Golden Slipper runner-up Zizou and is from the family of the now pensioned Arrowfield stallion Not A Single Doubt, and Group 1 winners Oohood (I Am Invincible) and King's Legacy.
Kembla Grange, Race 3, 2.20pm AEST, Hussey Dertli Class 1 H., $35,000, 1200m
Latino Blend (Hinchinbrook) resumes for Peter and Paul Snowden having trialled well behind subsequent winner Arnaqueur (Astern) last time out. She made quick progress through her 2-year-old campaign, winning at Newcastle on debut and then being beaten just 1.4l at her second start in the G3 Magic Night S. in March.
Latino Blend as a yearling
She was a $195,000 purchase for Zhongli Racing through the Bhima Thoroughbreds draft at the 2020 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. Her dam, Lazumba (Sebring) was Group 2-placed and is a granddaughter of prolific stakes winner Excited Angel (Don’t Say Halo {USA}). Lazumba has also produced the winner Windsweep (Deep Field), as well as the now 2-year-old colt by Almanzor (Fr), which sold for $800,000 at this year's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Kembla Grange, Race 4, 2.55pm AEST, David Clout 3YO Mdn, $35,000, 1200m
The John Thompson-trained Baranof (Hinchinbrook) is closing in on a maiden victory, resuming with a very good third in midweek company and this looks to be a drop in class. His highlight performance in his 2-year-old season was a second, albeit beaten 5.9l, in the R. Listed Inglis Millennium behind Profiteer (Capitalist).
Baranof as a yearling
He was a $90,000 buy for Thompson through the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale where he was offered by Bell River Thoroughbreds. He is a three-quarter brother to the Group 2 winner and Group 1-producing stallion, Rothesay, and a half-brother to the stakes winner Sensei (Dream Ahead {USA}). Their dam, Schiaparelli (Woodman {USA}), is out of the influential Group 1-winning mare Canny Lass (Bletchingly).
Looking back
It was a bit of a mixed bag of performances from our Looking Ahead representatives on Wednesday.
Our selection from Belmont, Flower In The Wind (Sebring), ran a storming race, charging home from last to claim third at a big price.
Kipsbay (Capitalist) was solid on debut, finishing midfield in her race at Kensington. Our other selection, Extreme Flight (Extreme Choice), was scratched.
