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 that has trialled particularly well, we will aim to give you something to follow.
On Saturday, we have thrown our weight behind a pair of maiden contenders at Goulburn who performed well in their first-up appearances. At Kembla Grange, we believe an expensive colt can justify his pricetag with a Group 3 victory.
Goulburn, Race 1, 12.35pm AEST, Jewell Builders Plate, $35,000, 1600m
This distance looks ideal for the well-related French Emperor (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), who was a sound third behind the $1.9 million yearling Profondo (Redoute’s Choice) on debut on the Kensington track at Randwick. The 3-year-old is bred to star over more ground and trainer David Payne looks to have found the perfect race for the gelding.
Tavistock (NZ), sire of French Emperor (NZ) | Standing at Cambridge Stud
Purchased by HBL Racing for NZ$200,000 out of Curraghmore’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale, French Emperor’s dam Special Memories (Fastnet Rock) was twice successful and ran fourth in the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas. She is a sister to the G1 Australian Oaks heroine Unforgotten with their dam the Galileo (Ire) mare Memories Of You (Ire). She is a half-sister to the G1 French 1000 Guineas winner Matiara (USA) (Bering {GB}), the G2 Prix du Muguet winner Marathon (USA) (Diesis {GB}) and the G2 Richmond S. winner and sire Pyrus (USA).
Goulburn, Race 3, 1.45pm AEST, Hibernian Hotel H., $35,000, 1400m
Vandangle (Vancouver) came in for inspired support in his first appearance over this course and distance last month and the money wasn’t far off the mark. The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained 4-year-old made the running before he was run down close to home to finish third. He will again be ridden by Christian Reith and they appeal as a winning combination.
Vancouver, sire of Vandangle | Standing at Coolmore
Kembla Grange, Race 5, 2pm AEST, Listed Drinkwise Dulcify S., $150,000, 1500m
Military Expert (Redoute’s Choice) was a high-priced yearling and was offered by Bhima Thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and was knocked down to Zhiqiang An for $1.1 million. He is a son of Gresset (Hussonet {USA}), who boasts an impressive international pedigree. She is a half-sister to the G2 Turffontein Camelia S. and the family of the Group 1 winners and sires Almanzor (Fr) and Dariyan (Fr) and top-flight winners Darjina (Fr) (Zamindar {USA}), Daryaba (Ire) (Night Shift {USA}) and Daryakana (Fr) (Selkirk {USA}).
Trained by Annabel Neasham, Military Expert came off a Newcastle maiden success to finish runner-up in the G3 Ming Dynasty after being in front until the shadows of the post. That was only his fourth start so he is open to further improvement and the prospect of better going will also aid the colt’s prospects.
The late Redoute’s Choice, sire of Military Expert
Looking Back
Benaud (Reliable Man {GB}) was successful for us at Nowra where We’ve Got Tonight (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) finished third, while our Swan Hill selection Nana Jean (Star Witness) was scratched.
