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.
We hone in on two runners at Hawkesbury on Tuesday, the first being a gelded son of Vancouver, while the second is related to Australia’s Champion 3-Year-Old Filly of 2004/05. We also have one runner at Sportsbet-Ballarat Synthetic – she is a daughter of Rich Hill Stud resident Vadamos (Fr), who has done a great job in his fledging career in the breeding barn.
Hawkesbury, Race 2, 1.50pm AEST, Fowler Civil Contracting 4YO & Up Mdn Plate, $40,000, 1300m
Villeneuve, 4-year-old gelding (Vancouver x Little Bita Love {Snippetson})
Rothwell Park bred this Vancouver gelding, who is set to debut for trainer Anthony Cummings.
He was originally purchased by Suncroft Bloodstock for $130,000 at the 2019 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale, where he was offered by Rothwell Park. Cummings and DGR Thoroughbred Services then paid NZ$220,000 for him at New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Book 1 in 2020, where Curraghmore Stud was the vendor.
Villeneuve as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Villeneuve is the first foal of Sunshine Coast winner Little Bita Love. The gelding’s second dam, Sky Love (Octagonal {NZ}), won twice in Group 3 company. Sky Love is a daughter of Suggestive (Al Hareb {USA}), who has also produced stakes winners Sky Cuddle (Snippets), Highly Recommended and Undeniably (Fastnet Rock).
Among the ownership group in Villeneuve is Think Big Stud (Duncan Ramage) and Sir Peter Vela.
Villeneuve has had two trials ahead of his debut, where he will jump from barrier three.
Hawkesbury, Race 3, 2.25pm AEST, Blakes Marine Metro & Prov Mdn H., $40,000, 1100m
Sir Ming, 3-year-old colt (Shalaa {Ire} x Dame Pattie {Snitzel})
This colt was bred by Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd and Planette Thoroughbred, and was offered by Arrowfield Stud at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, where he made $725,000.
Sir Ming as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Sir Ming hails from a tremendous family, with his grandam being the four-time Group 1 victress and Champion 3-Year-Old Australian Filly of 2004/05, Alinghi (Encosta De Lago). Her sister, Slice Of Paradise (Encosta De Lago), is the dam of Group 3 winner Beneteau, who sired seven stakes winners before his career at stud was cut short.
Sir Ming will be handled by James McDonald and has prepped up for his debut with three trials, the most recent being a win over 900 metres at Rosehill on July 29.
Sportsbet-Ballarat Synthetic, Race 2, 2pm AEST, Global Turf Mdn Plate, $27,000, 1400m
Shriyaa (NZ), 4-year-old mare (Vadamos {Fr} x Seonia {Sebring})
Ciaron Maher and David Eustace train this mare, who is on debut.
She was bred by Nearco Stud and Rich Hill Stud and was bought by Maher for NZ$230,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Book 1 in 2020, where she was offered by Rich Hill Stud.
Shriyaa (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Shriyaa (NZ) is by Vadamos (Fr), who was New Zealand’s leading Second Season Sire in 2021/22. The mare’s dam won over 1600 metres and is a half-sister to Listed winner Japhils (Choisir). Other stakes winners in the family include Millstreet (GB) (Polish Precedent {USA}) and Fintry (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}).
Teo Nugent takes the reins for Shriyaa’s debut.
Looking Back
We found a winner on Sunday, with Cut To The Chase (I Am Invincible) saluting at Swan Hill. Our two runners at Ladbrokes Park Lakeside - Rising (I Am Invincible) and Hafey (I Am Invincible) – were both unplaced.
