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 Tuesday, Ron Quinton steps out an imported mare at Gosford, where a well-related Sebring gelding looks to break his maiden for Richard and Michael Freedman.
Gosford, Race 2, 1.40pm AEDT, Taperell Rutledge Solicitors Mdn, $35,000, 1100m
Imported mare Miss Connie (GB) (Exceed And Excel) makes her debut for trainer Ron Quinton having had six trials to this point and has been scratched on a couple of occasions. She won her most recent trial back in September, sitting outside the pace and winning narrowly but with plenty in hand.
Passed in as a yearling through the 2019 Tattersalls October Sale, she found her way to Australia soon after for owner Alan Osburg. Her dam, Connote (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), has produced three winners in Hong Kong, Greece and Qatar, and is a half-sister to G1 July Cup winner Continent (GB) (Lake Coniston {Ire}). It's a family which includes a host of international stakes winners including Group 3 winner Short Pause (GB) (Sadler's Wells {USA}).
Gosford, Race 4, 2.55pm AEDT, Industree Group Mdn, $35,000, 1900m
Willinga Stirling (Sebring), trained by Richard and Michael Freedman, has been looking for extra ground over his first two starts, finishing fourth on debut over 1400 metres and then third over 1600 metres at Kembla Grange. The 3-year-old is building towards a maiden win and steps up to 1900 metres here.
He was a $200,000 buy from the 2020 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, where he was offered by Coolmore Stud. His dam Supreme (Encosta De Lago) is a half-sister to Group 1 winners and sire Duporth and Excites as Group 2 winner Tickets (Redoute's Choice). Their dam is the multiple stakes winner and Group 1 runner-up Staging (Success Express {USA}).
Willinga Stirling as a yearling
Looking Back
On Sunday, So Country (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) finished second at Armidale, while Golden Hour (Redoute's Choice) finished fourth at Hastings. Frankly Rosie (GB) (Frankel {GB}) finished down the track at Ararat.
