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 Friday, a half-brother to a VRC Oaks winner debuts for Ben and JD Hayes at Benalla, while well-related 2-year-olds by Snitzel and I Am Invincible makes their bows at Canterbury and Moonee Valley.
Benalla, Race 4, 3pm AEDT, Jaclyn Symes State Member for Northern Victoria Mdn, $25,000, 1612m
Bader, 3-year-old gelding (Flying Artie x Dizelle (Zabeel {NZ}})
Being a half-brother to G1 VRC Oaks winner Pinot (Pierro) and Listed winner Dizlago (Encosta De Lago), out of a G1 Australian Oaks winner, Bader certainly catches the eye on pedigree alone.
Dizelle, whose own dam Danelagh (Danheill {USA}) won a G1 Blue Diamond S., has produced seven winners from eight foals to the track, with two more stakes performers, Lucky Lago (Encosta De Lago) and Rock Giselle (Fastnet Rock) added into the mix.
Bader as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Lindsay Park and Andrew Williams were on the ball to pick Bader up as a yearling for $55,000 at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, where he was offered by Element Hill. He was given a solid hitout in a recent Cranbourne trial, sitting up on the pace before being outgunned late when sixth. That should bring him along nicely for his debut.
Canterbury, Race 1, 6pm AEDT, Stud And Stable Staff Awards H., $50,000, 1200m
Showcourt, 2-year-old colt (Snitzel x Miss Sharapova {NZ} {Ustinov})
In a 2-year-old race full of interesting runners, Showcourt takes the eye on debut for Chris Waller. He is the half-brother to the Group 2 winner and now Widden Stud stallion Doubtland as well as Listed winner Pretty Fast (Not A Single Doubt) and the brother to multiple Hong Kong winner, Family Folks. Their dam, Miss Sharapova (NZ), was placed at Group level in New Zealand and is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Villa Verde (Not A Single Doubt).
Showcourt as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
He was a $500,000 purchase through the Arrowfield Stud draft at the 2021 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. Showcourt hasn't figured in the finish in either of his trials to date, but hasn’t been too far away and with Hugh Bowman sticking with him, it wouldn't surprise to see him make improvement on his first appearance on raceday.
Moonee Valley, Race 1, 6.15pm AEDT, Quest Moonee Valley Plate, $75,000, 955m
Cut To The Chase, 2-year-old filly (I Am Invincible x Pursuits {Lonhro})
Carrying the Pinecliff Racing colours, Cut To The Chase makes her debut in a strong race for Grahame Begg off a recent strong Cranbourne trial win. She showed some very good traits there, settling on the speed and giving a good kick for home. A similar approach this time around could see her making a winning start to her career.
Cut To The Chase as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Dean Hawthorne paid $530,000 for her at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the draft of Yarraman Park. Out of stakes-placed mare Pursuits (Lonhro), she is a sister to Metropolitan winner Brentwood and blood-sister to juvenile stakes winner Espaaniyah, a family that also includes Listed Gimcrack S. victress Jorda (Exceed And Excel) and many other stakes winners.
Looking Back
Two of our Thursday selections ran third in Hello Angel (Hellbent) at Ipswich and Soobmerged (Sooboog) at Warrnambool, while the other, We've Got Tonight (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}), ran fifth at Goulburn.
