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 retur ning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.
There's plenty of interesting runners to watch on Saturday, and we've picked out three debutants at three separate venues. We kick off in Sydney at 11am AEST with a son of Pierro from a superb international family. We then head south to focus on a well-related first starter from the all conquering Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable, before finishing up at Bendigo with a nicely bred daughter of I Am Invincible.
Rosehill Gardens, Race 1, 11.00am AEST, Bowermans H., $130,000, 1300m
Osipenko (NZ), 2-year-old colt (Pierro x Raskova {USA} {Henrythenavigator {USA}})
This Chris Waller-trained colt, who is on debut, is related to legendary sire Shamardal (USA), who won four Group 1s in Europe between 2004/05.
Offered by Valachi Downs, he was purchased by Chris Waller Racing for NZ$160,000 at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale (Book 1).
He is the third living foal of Raskova (USA) (Henrythenavigator {USA}), a two-time winner and Listed placegetter in the UK.
Osipenko (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
His grandam, Diamond Necklace (USA) (Unbridled’s Song {USA}), is a Listed placegetter and the dam of Dogtag (USA) (Warfront {USA}), a Listed winner at Saratoga in the US.
His fourth dam, Helen Street (GB) (Troy {GB}), won the G1 Irish Oaks in 1985 and has thrown the great Street Cry (Ire).
Also on this colt’s page is dual stakes winner Magna Graecia (Ire) (Warning {GB}) plus two current sires, Group 1 victor Territories (Ire) and two-time Group 1 winner Victor Ludorum (GB).
Osipenko has had three trials ahead of his debut and will be ridden by Josh Parr from gate three.
Flemington, Race 2, 12.25pm AEST, Next Generation Sprinters Series, $130,000, 1100m
Ghaanati, 2-year-old filly (Deep Impact {Jpn} x Al Anood {Danehill {USA}})
Bred and raced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, the filly is by star sire Deep Impact (Jpn), from Al Anood (Danehill {USA}), a two-time city winner who placed at Listed level.
There is plenty of anticipation ahead of her debut, given she is a half-sister to dual Group 1 winner Pride Of Dubai and Listed winner Al Aneed (More Than Ready {USA}).
Ghaanati is a half-sister to Pride Of Dubai (pictured) | Standing at Coolmore Stud
She is also related to Rafha (GB) (Kris {GB}), a Group 1 victress in France.
The Team Snowden-trained filly is on debut, having finished second in a 1000 metre Geelong trial on January 25.
Damien Oliver has the ride from barrier six.
Bendigo, Race 1, 12.06pm AEST, Grogans Machinery 2YO Mdn Plate, $25,000, 1000m
Cannoli, 2-year-old filly (I Am Invincible x Custard {Lonhro})
Bred by Segenhoe Thoroughbreds Australia, this filly made $500,000 at last year’s Magic Millions Yearling Sale, where she was knocked down to Sheamus Mills Bloodstock (FBAA).
A daughter of leading sire I Am Invincible, she is out of Listed victress Custard, making her a half-sister to stakes winners Curdled (All Too Hard) and Serene Majesty (Fastnet Rock).
Cannoli as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
She is also related to dual Listed winner Russian Caravan (Dehere {USA}).
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained filly is set to break from stall four under Jack Hill.
Looking Back
Offspring (Zoustar) ran well on debut, finishing fourth in the second race at Wagga, before Hesitate (NZ) (El Roca) placed second in race two at Pakenham on the synthetic. Master Joe (Unencumbered) will have to wait another day for his debut, with the 4-year-old scratched from race 6 at Wagga.