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 will be following the fortunes of a seven-figure colt on debut at Caulfield, a last-start winner who promises to go close again at Randwick and at Goulburn we like a well-bred trial winner making his first appearance.
Caulfield, Race 1, 12.15pm AEDT, Listed Magic Millions Debutant S., $175,000, 1000m
Brereton (Zoustar) was an expensive colt when the Victorian Alliance, Suman Hedge Bloodstock and David Redvers Bloodstock joined forces to purchase him out of breeder Widden Stud’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling draft for $1 million. He is a son of the G3 WATC Champion Fillies’ S. winner Fuddle Dee Duddle (Red Ransom {USA}).
Brereton pictured as a yearling
She is a half-sister to the G2 Gilgai S. winner and multiple Group 1 placegetter Hallowell Belle (Starcraft {NZ}) and an immediate family that includes the G1 Caulfield Guineas winner In Top Swing (Beautiful Crown {USA}) and Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai), twice successful at Group 3 level. Brereton is prepared by Peter Moody and finished runner-up in his only trial at Cranbourne. That was on a Heavy track and he promises to give a bold sight at the first time of asking.
Randwick, Race 2, 1.10pm AEDT, Midway H., $100,000, 1400m
Akhtar (I Am Invincible) was purchased by trainer Annabel Neasham for $260,000 at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale where he was sold by breeder Baramul Stud. He was subsequently reoffered at the Inglis Digital August Sale and purchased by Thailand interests for $55,000 and provided an immediate return with a smart maiden victory on the Kensington track.
I Am Invincible, sire of Akhtar | Standing at Yarraman Park
There was enough in that performance to suggest Akhtar can measure up in better company and looks a strong chance again in the hands of Tommy Berry. The colt is a son of the G1 Thousand Guineas winner Serious Speed (Royal Academy {USA}), a half-sister to the black-type winners Reldas (Testa Rossa) and Victory Chant (General Nediym). The G1 Cape Flying Championship winner Run Fox Run (Foxwedge) also feature under the first dam.
Goulburn, Race 3, 2.40pm AEDT, Goulburn Mazda Plate, $35,000, 1300m
Darley homebred Backstreets (Street Boss {USA}) boasts a top pedigree as he is a half-brother to the former Champion 2-Year-Old, multiple Group 1 winner and leading sire Pierro and the G2 Wakeful S. winner and two-time Group 1 runner-up Ambience (Street Cry {Ire}). Their dam Miss Right Note (Ire) was successful on two occasions and is a half-sister to the dual Group 1 winner and sire Laverock (Ire).
Street Boss (USA), sire of Backstreets | Standing at Darley
It is the extended family of the G2 Royal Ascot Ribblesdale S. winner Flying Cloud (Ire) (Storming Home {GB}), also second in the G1 Pretty Polly S. Backstreets has been given three trial outings this preparation and his latest victory over 1000 metres at Hawkesbury suggested he can prove a handful for his rivals on debut.
Looking Back
At the Phar Lap Raceway, Synchronize (NZ) (Savabeel) was a comfortable winner while Delicious Tycoon (Written Tycoon) was unplaced at Cranbourne, as was Redeeming Spirit (I Am Invincible) at the Sunshine Coast.
