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 Sunday, we like the chances of a half-brother to a G1 Golden Slipper S. winner and an expensive son of Snitzel making his first appearance. At Ballarat, we are expecting a breakthrough performance from a 3-year-old boasting a speedy pedigree.
Nowra, Race 2, 1.55pm AEST, Bomaderry Bowling Club Plate, $24,000, 1600m
Semeco (Pierro) was offered at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale by Fairview Park Stud and was knocked down to Matchem Holdings for $390,000. He is a half-brother to the G1 Golden Slipper S. winner Mossfun (Mossman) and Mawahibb (Magic Albert), who as Aramco won multiple black-type events in Singapore. Their dam is the unraced Eye For Fun (Snitzel) and she is a half-sister to Listed Ken Russell Classic winner Cap D’Antibes (Tale Of The Cat {USA}) and the family of the dual stakes winner Eximus (Exceed And Excel).
Semeco as a yearling
Trained by David Payne, Semeco has finished in the money in two of his three appearances and with a last-start placing over a mile at Goulburn under his belt, he should be at peak fitness for the task ahead. He has drawn ideally in barrier four and looks a choice ride for Alysha Collett.
Nowra, Race 5, 3.40pm AEST, Solomon Motor Group Plate, $24,000, 1100m
Snitzonfire (Snitzel) was bred by Highclere Stud Australia and was put through the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale ring by Milburn Creek. Trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott signed the ticket at $425,000 with Mt Hallowell Stud. He is the first foal of the winning More Than Ready (USA) mare Piping Hot.
Snitzel, sire of Snitzonfire | Standing at Arrowfield Stud
Out of the G2 Moonee Valley Oaks winner Ribe (Danehill {USA}), Piping Hot is a half-sister to the G1 Blue Diamond S. winner Reaan (Hussonet {USA}) and also on the pedigree page is the G3 Tattersall’s Cup winner Acetate (Hennessy {USA}). Snitzonfire is a recent trial winner and looks capable of overcoming an awkward gate to make a winning impression on debut.
Ballarat, Race 1, 1.25pm AEST, The Haymarket 3YO Plate, $35,000, 1100m
Growl (Written Tycoon) has performed with credit in both of his outings, finishing runner-up at Sale at the first time of asking and then ran fourth at Sandown and he can put his experience to winning use here. Barrier five will give rider John Allen options and they appeal as a pairing that will take some holding out.
Written Tycoon, sire of Growl | Standing at Yulong Stud
Raced by breeder TJS Bloodstock with Blue Gum Farm, the Team Hawkes-trained Growl is a son of the G3 Epona S. and Listed Mona Lisa S. winner Vergara (Snippetson) and her half-sister Valiant Spirit (Duporth) won the G2 Autumn Classic and was also successful in Hong Kong as Beauty Spirit. Under the second dam is the two-time Group 1 winner and sire Turffontein.
Looking Back
Six Again (Written Tycoon) bolted in for us at Newcastle while at Caulfield, Heresy (Street Boss {USA}) did well to run second after covering extra ground and our Randwick selection Nadaraja (Redoute’s Choice) was scratched.
