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 Saturday, we will begin the day with a Yulong-owned son of Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) at Donald before turning our attention to a filly by Fastnet Rock at Flemington.
We will round out the day in the fifth event at Kembla Grange with a $1 million debutant from the Annabel Neasham stable.
Donald, Race 1, 12.06pm AEST, Donald Motor Lodge 2YO Mdn Plate, $25,000, 1200m
Mishima, 2-year-old colt (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn} x Lunatique {Jpn} {Deep Impact {Jpn}})
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Mishima hasn’t officially trialled ahead of his debut but has all the right credentials from a breeding perspective to figure on debut.
Jake Noonan has been booked to ride Mishima and will be faced with the task of overcoming barrier 11 of 12.
Mishima as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
A $580,000 2021 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale purchase by Yu Long Investments Australia, Mishima is out of the unraced Lunatique (Jpn), making her a sister to dual G1 Kyoto Tenno Sho hero Fierement (Jpn).
The duo’s dam is the Italian Group 1-winning Lune D’Or (Fr) (Green Tune {USA}). The French Group 2-winning, Group 1 placegetter Inns Of Court (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) features in the first generation of this family.
Murray Bridge, Race 2, 12.37pm AEST, Weddings @ Bridges Event Centre H., $54,750, 1200m
Joyrider, 2-year-old colt (Snitzel x Sewreel {NZ} {Savabeel})
The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Joyrider looks well-placed here on debut after two pleasing jump-outs at Flemington where he finished fourth and third respectively.
Todd Pannell will take the reins from what should prove to be a favourable draw, barrier one.
An $800,000 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase by James Harron Bloodstock, Joyrider is out of the New Zealand Listed-winning, G3 Gosford Belle of the Turf S. placegetter Sewreel (NZ).
Joyrider as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Sewreel herself is a half-sister to G2 Queen of the South S. heroine Fabric (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}).
G1 Queensland Derby hero Lachlan River (NZ) (Desert King {GB}) is out of Sewreel’s grandam Viveasha (Last Tycoon {Ire}).
G2 Swettenham Stud S. winner French Bid (Anabaa {USA}) features alongside G3 Blue Diamond Prelude winner My Flashing Star (Snippets) in the third generation of this pedigree.
Flemington, Race 3, 1pm AEST, Rod Johnson H., $130,000, 1420m
Winning Bid, 2-year-old filly (Fastnet Rock x Anchor Bid {High Chaparral {Ire}})
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Winning Bid hasn’t fired in three jump-outs to date with two fourth and third, respectively.
Winning Bid, who is owned by Ozzie Kheir, John O’Neill and other prominent connections, maps awkwardly from barrier 11 of 15.
A $550,000 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase by Busuttin Racing and Clarke Bloodstock, Winning Bid is the first foal out of the Listed Taj Rossi Series Final H.-placed Anchor Bid, who herself is a half-sister to the Listed VRC St Leger-winning, G2 Brisbane Cup-placed Through Irish Eyes (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}).
Winning Bid as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Anchor Bid and Through Irish Eyes are out of the G3 SA Fillies Classic-winning, G1 Schweppes Oaks fourth placegetter Zapurple (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).
Anchor Bid’s grandam is the G2 Empire Rose S. runner-up Purple Groove (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}).
Looking Back
On Friday, our first selection Flashy Gift (Frosted {USA}) saluted at $23 odds while our second selection Enviable (I Am Invincible) could only manage sixth on debut.
Our final selection, Wonderwall (Sebring) was scracthed from the third event at Geelong.