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 which has trialled particularly well, we will aim to give you something to follow.
On Saturday, we kickstart proceedings with a multimillion-dollar Aquis debutant in the opening event at Moonee Valley before backing up into the opener at Randwick with a well-related son of Snitzel.
We will round out the day with a progressive Hermitage Thoroughbreds-owned son of Written Tycoon in the third event at Randwick.
Race 1, Moonee Valley, 12.15pm AEDT, R.Inglis Banner, $400,000, 1000m
Nobel (Exceed And Excel) brings a great deal of intrigue to this contest. The Annabel Neasham-trained debutant finished third behind Emperor (I Am Invincible) and subsequent G3 Breeders’ Plate winner Sejardan (Sebring) in a trial. He has since pleased in a Flemington jump-out.
Star Sydney-based hoop James McDonald will partner the well-bred prospect from barrier 9 .
A $2.1 million 2021 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale purchase, Nobel is out of G3 Glenlogan Park S. winner Peace Force (Bernardini {USA}), who herself is a half-sister to five-time Group 1 winner Eremein (Timber Country {USA}).
Nobel as a yearling
Race 1, Randwick, 12.30pm AEDT, World Gym Castlereagh Kirkham Plate, $130,000, 1000m
Shirvo (Not A Single Doubt) hasn’t been far away in two 900 metre Rosehill trials which suggests he’s forward enough to perform on debut.
The only concern is that the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained colt has drawn an unfavourable gate, barrier 10 of 12.
A $350,000 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Shirvo is a half-brother to G2 Eight Carat Classic winner and G1 New Zealand Oaks runner-up Contessa Vanessa (NZ) (Bullbars). The duo are out of Lonhro mare Di Lusso.
G1 New Zealand One Thousand Guineas runner up Bella Gioa (NZ) (Swiss Ace) features in this family.
Shivro as a yearling
Race 3, Randwick, 1.40pm AEDT, Listed Daily Press Brian Crowley S., $200,000, 1200m
Able Willie (Written Tycoon) was a dominant debut winner on the Kensington track last month.
The Chris Waller-trained gelding presents 23 days between runs but has trialled up nicely at Rosehill over 900 metres on October 11.
Kerrin McEvoy replaces Nash Rawiller in the saddle and will be required to overcome the far outside draw, barrier nine.
A $140,000 2020 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale purchase, Able Willie is out of five-time winner Lifesaver Lady (More Than Ready {USA}), who herself is a half-sister to the three-time stakes-placed Anise (General Nediym).
This is the family of Group 1 winners Fairy King Prawn (Danehill {USA}) and Cosmic Endeavour (Northern Meteor).
Able Willie as a yearling
Looking Back
Our best performed selection on Friday was Pudding (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), who debuted with a third at Gawler. Tiva Bay (NZ) (Tivaci) finished sixth at Scone, while The Cassini (Toronado {Ire}) was a close-up fourth at Echuca.
