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.
Sunshine Coast, Race 3, 1.55pm AEST, Pelican Waters & Henzells Agency Mdn H., $27,000, 1300m
Debuting for Toby and Trent Edmonds is $400,000 yearling Vancouver River. Purchased by his trainers in conjunction with Bluesky Bloodstock, the Vancouver 4-year-old gelding has had four trials in preparation for his first start, including a third to consistent Morioka (Maurice {Jpn}).
Vancouver River as a yearling
Dam Harlem River is a stakes-winning daughter of excellent broodmare sire Fastnet Rock. She is richly bred, with third dam Steam Heat (Salieri {USA}) the dam of an impressive 13 winners including three stakes winners and the dams of both In Her Time (Time Thief) and Yes Yes Yes.
Cranbourne, Race 1, 12.25pm AEST, TAB Mdn Plate, $35,000, 1600m
Tavistock (NZ) colt Duke Of Bedford (NZ) steps out for the first time in this event over 1600 metres; a distance that should be suitable given his stout breeding. Bred by astute breeders Blandford Lodge, Graham and Helen-Gaye Bax, the colt was purchased for $45,000 from the 2020 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale by SCT Syndications.
Duke Of Bedford (NZ) as a yearling
He is from winning Fastnet Rock mare Miralago, and a grandson of Group 1-placed mare Gretchen (NZ), which is the family of one of Blandford Lodge's best horses, multiple Group 1 winner Danzdanzdance (Mastercraftsman {Ire}).
Coffs Harbour, Race 2, 1.45pm AEST, Bellevue Hill Aquis Mdn H., $24,000, 1300m
Maurice (Jpn) filly Mauricently makes her debut after four trials, ensuring she is well educated for this debut race. This beautifully bred filly is from a Zabeel (NZ) daughter of Group 1 winner Volpe Veloce (NZ) (Volksraad {NZ}).
Maurice (Jpn), sire of Mauricently | Standing at Arrowfield Stud
Bred by The Sunlight Trust and race by a partnership that includes her trainer Kris Lees, Mauricently is the least experience runner in a race with a lot of exposed form, however class of her pedigree may see her shine through.
Looking Back
French Emperor (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) won his 1600-metre event at Goulburn, while Vandangle (Vancouver) finished fifth in his event at the same venue. Military Expert (Redoute's Choice) was scratched from his event.
