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’ll aim to give you something to follow.
On Tuesday, it's all about the first starters with a half-brother to a multiple stakes winner debuting at Grafton, while at Stony Creek, we have a son of Capitalist from a Group 1-producing mare stepping out as well as an I Am Invincible filly from the family of Snitzel.
Grafton, Race 1, 1.15pm AEDT, Chinese New Year Mdn, $24,000, 1006m
Preach, 3-year-old colt (Flying Artie x I Believe {Octagonal {NZ}})
Toby and Trent Edmonds debut Preach off an impressive recent trial win at the Gold Coast which sets him up nicely for this race. A $50,000 purchase by his trainers and Kestrel Thoroughbreds at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where he was offered by Newgate Farm, his pedigree suggests he won't be long finding the winning post in his career.
Preach as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
His half-brother Rain Affair (Commands) was a winning machine for his breeder and owner the late Don Storey, collecting 12 racetrack victories, including three Group 2 wins, two Group 3 wins and a Listed success. Their dam, I Believe, has produced seven winners from seven to the track and is a half-sister to Listed winner Walk Alone (Honour And Glory {USA}).
Stony Creek, Race 1, 1.30pm AEDT, Meeniyan Tourism & Traders Association Mdn, $25,000, 1100m
Gleaming Legend (NZ), 3-year-old gelding (Capitalist x Staryn Glenn {NZ} {Montjeu {Ire}})
John Sadler steps out this Capitalist gelding for owner Bon Ho, who paid $145,000 for him through the Willow Park Stud draft at the 2020 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. He is a half-brother to Group 1 winner Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel) as well as Group 3 winner Malandrino (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}). Group 1 winner Danzdanzdance (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) also features on the page.
Gleaming Legend (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
His two recent jump-outs have been at Pakenham. He jumped slowly in his first one on January 5, but then made steady ground through the field. He then settled further forward in his latest over 1000 metres on January 18 and finished off well yet again. Damian Lane gets the ride here from barrier two.
Stony Creek, Race 2, 2pm AEDT, Meeniyan Hotel Mdn, $25,000, 1000m
Ultravox, 3-year-old filly (I Am Invincible x Wiener {More Than Ready {USA}})
Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young have taken their time educating this filly and she has had three jump-outs ahead of her debut in this race. In her most recent hitout, she beat home a couple of promising horses leading all the way in a very positive showing.
Ultravox as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
A $350,000 purchase for her trainers and First Light Racing/Paul Willetts through the Kitchwin Hills draft at the 2020 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, she is a half-sister to stakes winner Rathlin (Fastnet Rock) and stakes-placed pair Za Zi Ba (All Too Hard) and Redoubtable Heart (Redoute's Choice). Their stakes-placed dam, Wiener, is a half-sister to Champion sire Snitzel, as well as late Yarraman Park resident Hinchinbrook and the Group 3 winner Viennese (Redoute's Choice).
Looking Back
On Sunday, our two runners at Sale didn't get their chance with that meeting shifted to Monday, and both horses then scratched, while at Ellerslie, Contagious (NZ) (Proisir) finished fourth.
