Looking Aheadputs 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 are expecting a bold black-type showing at Kembla Grange from an expensive sale purchase and at Goulburn we’re on the side of a well-related maiden prospect. At Doomben, the return of a talented juvenile from last season has our attention.
Kembla Grange, Race 5, 1.50pm AEST, G3 Fujitsu General Ming Dynasty, $160,000, 1400m
Patton (American Pharoah {USA}) was bred by Grand Park View Stud and was sold on its behalf at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by Attunga Stud to Spendthrift Australia for $675,000. He is the first foal out of the G2 Queensland Guineas winner Tsaritsa (Dane Shadow), a half-sister to the G2 Villiers S. winner Ninth Legion (Fastnet Rock). This is also the family of the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas winner Tell A Tale (NZ) (Tale Of The Cat {USA}).
Patton as a yearling
Prepared by John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes, Patton showed ability last term with a debut victory during a light preparation. He returned from a break to win a trial at Rosehill and was a solid fifth when resuming in the G3 Up and Coming S. The colt should be all the better for that outing and looks to offer some value in this line-up.
Goulburn, Race 2, 1.35pm AEST, Jan Fenton Celebrant 3YO Mdn H., $35,000, 1400m
Rebel County (Star Turn) gave a good account of himself at the first time of asking at Scone where he led and was run down late to finish third behind the impressive Mascherata (NZ) (Tivaci). That was on a Good 4 surface and the gelding had showed versatility by trialling well last month on a Heavy 8 track so conditions shouldn’t bother him. He also has the advantage of the inside gate.
Rebel County as a yearling | Image courtesy of Dynamic Syndications
Breeder Gerry Harvey sold Rebel County under his Westbury Stud banner at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where Dynamic Syndications and Dean Watt Bloodstock snapped him up for $75,000. He is a son of the Fastnet Rock mare County Cork and she is a half-sister to the dual Group 1 winner and Champion Sire Savabeel. They are out of Savannah Success (NZ) (Success Express {USA}), who was also successful twice at the elite level.
Doomben, Race 7, 3.22pm AEST, Emery, Mears & Jeffs 3YO Plate, $125,000, 1200m
Prince Of Boom (Spirit Of Boom) looked a cut well above-average during his 2-year-old campaign that netted a debut victory at the Sunshine Coast before he handled a rise in class with aplomb six days later by winning the G2 Champagne Classic. He suffered his only defeat when unplaced in the G2 BTC Sires’ Produce S. after a torrid run from a horror barrier. He won a trial earlier this month and, while it is no easy first-up task, he is a talented individual capable of returning in style.
Prince Of Boom as a yearling
Trained by Rob Heathcote, Prince Of Boom was bought out of Eureka Stud’s draft at the Magic Millions March Yearling Sale by Adrenaline Thoroughbreds for $20,000, which now counts as a sharp piece of business. The youngster is a son of Dazzling Display (Red Dazzler) whose half-brother Express Air (Piccolo {GB}) won the G2 Queensland Guineas. Under the second dam is the Melbourne spring carnival contender Incentivise (Shamus Award) and the G3 Concorde H. winner, Group 1 placegetter and sire Ardrossan.
Looking Back
At the Gold Coast, our selection Devastating (Exceed And Excel) led and boxed on well for third, while Gosford fancy Pacific Warrior (American Pharoah {USA}) was a game fourth at long odds. Glint Of Hope’s (Deep Impact {Jpn}) debut was delayed after he was taken out of his Pakenham engagement.
