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 kickstart proceedings with a progressive Robert Hickmott-trained galloper in the third event at Benalla before following up with an exciting OTI-owned entire in the following race.
We will round the day out with a daughter of Vinery Stud sire Headwater on debut at Port Macquarie.
Benalla, Race 3, 1.40pm AEST, Specsavers Benalla Mdn H., $35,000, 1606m
Shalaga (Shalaa {Ire}) looks well-placed here third-up after two pleasing performances at Sandown and Bendigo respectively.
The Robert Hickmott-trained 3-year-old will relish the extra 200 metres on offer and should figure prominently with luck from barrier seven.
Shagala as a yearling
A $120,000 2020 Inglis Ready2Race Sale purchase by Robert Hickmott Racing, Shalaga is out of the unraced Antalaga (NZ) (Duelled).
This is the family of champion mare Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) and G2 Wakeful S. runner-up Vegas Jewel (Shocking).
Benalla, Race 4, 2.23pm AEST, Rangedale Drainage & Industrial Sales BM64 H., $35,000, 1606m
Eagles Crag (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) should take a power of beating here after a strong first-up showing behind the promising Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) at Sandown in a BM70 contest.
The lightly raced Archie Alexander-trained 5-year-old maps awkwardly from the far outside draw, barrier 11, but should prove too good dropping back in class.
Fastnet Rock, sire of Eagles Crag (Ire) | Standing at Coolmore Australia
A private purchase by OTI Racing, Eagles Crag is out of La Salina (Ger) (Singspiel {Ire}), thus making him a sibling to German Group 3 winner La Saldana (Ger) and a half-brother to the Listed-placed La Dawa (GB) (Dansili {GB}).
La Salina herself is a half-sister to three-time Group 1 winner Lomitas (GB) (Niniski {USA}) and stakes winners Los Rinos (GB) (Beldale Flutter {USA}) and Loco (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}).
Port Macquarie, Race 2, 2.05pm AEST, Gemlife F&M Mdn Plate, $24,000, 1100m
Oakfield Blossom (Headwater) steps out on debut as a 4-year-old after three impressive trials. The Kristen Buchanan-trained mare won her most recent trial at Wyong by 1.8l and should prove hard to hold out with luck from barrier 10.
Oakfield Blossom is out of four-time winner Oakfield Rose (Danewin). Her grandam Whimper (Imperial Prince {Ire}) is responsible for G2 Magic Night S. winner Pipiwar (Marscay).
Headwater, sire of Oakfield Blossom | Standing at Vinery Stud
This is the family of G3 Triscasy S. winner and G1 Tattersall's Tiara third placegetter Sweet Deal (Casino Prince) and G2 Western Australian Oaks winner Royal Drive (Victory Drive {USA}).
Looking Back
Our first selection, Antonio Giovanni (All Too Hard) finished back in the field in the opening event at Goulburn.
Our next pick I Am Nefertiti (American Pharoah {USA}) finished fourth on debut in race four on the program.
Our third and final selection, Jungle Magnate (NZ) (Tarzino {NZ}) failed to measure up in the third event at Sandown, finishing eighth.
