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 Tuesday, we are keen on the chances of fillies by Tivaci and Choisir at Goulburn while at Mildura we expect a daughter of Toronado (Ire) to also be hard to beat.
Goulburn, Race 3, 2.35pm AEDT, Wymap Transport H., $24,000, 1400m
Mascherata (NZ) (Tivaci) has been racing against stronger fields than she meets here and provides her with an ideal opportunity to double her winning tally. The filly broke her maiden in good style at Scone in August and while she has only been fair since, she looks particularly well-placed here for a return to top form for trainer John O’Shea.
Video: Mascherata (NZ) as a yearling
Bred by Waikato Stud, Mascherata was purchased by O’Shea at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for NZ$150,000. She is a daughter of Fancy Dress (NZ) (Savabeel), who was successful on four occasions and is a half-sister to the G2 Cal Isuzu S. winner Sports Illustrated (NZ) (Fast ‘N’ Famous). A decorated member of this family is Starcraft (NZ), who won at Group 1 level in Australia, New Zealand, France and England before retiring to stud.
Goulburn, Race 4, 3.10pm AEST, Waterwise Consulting H., $24,000, 1400m
The Annabel Neasham-trained debutante Irresistible Miss (Choisir) has looked good at the trials with a couple of placings before she put it all together on her home track at Warwick Farm to win a 1175-metre heat by nearly 10l. The filly has drawn ideally in barrier two and appeals as a top chance in the hands of Grant Buckley.
Irresistible Miss was bred by Segenhoe and sold at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for $150,000 and was then snapped up by James Bester for $60,000 when offered by Newgate at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale Round 2.
Irresistible Miss as a yearling
A half-sister to the Listed Woodlands S. winner Pretty In Pink (Sebring), she is out of the stakes performer Total Attraction (Nadeem), who is a half-sister to the G2 Tristarc S. winner Infinite Grace (Prince Of Birds {USA}) and the family of the G1 Thompson H. winner The Mitigator (Master Of Design) and the G2 Edward Manifold S. winner Fontein Ruby (Turffontein).
Mildura, Race 1, 1.30pm AEDT, ENG Media Big Screen Hire Plate, $25,000, 1200m
Martha Lavinia (Toronado {Ire}) had a quiet trial at Cranbourne in late August before she made her first raceday appearance at Donald last month and she came home strongly from back in the field to finish a close second. She has drawn well in barrier three and should be hard to hold out under rider Michael Poy.
Martha Lavinia as a yearling
The filly is prepared by Henry Dwyer who secured her for $20,000 out of the Lime Country Thoroughbreds draft at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. She is out of Rainbow Queen (Royal Academy {USA}), who is a half-sister to the Group 2 winners Chase The Rainbow (Dash For Cash) and Ms Funovits (Reset). Their dam Illusional (Redoute’s Choice) is a half-sister to the G2 Crystal Mile winner Sonic Quest (Quest For Fame {GB}).
Looking Back
On Sunday, Got The Style (Snitzel) failed to live up to expectations and finish fifth while our Sunshine Coast selection Win Burn (Shooting To Win) was scratched.
