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.
Our Looking Ahead selections for Friday are all 3-year-olds on debut. We kick off at Wyong with a filly by Almanzor (Fr), before heading to Canberra, where an All Too Hard filly has caught the eye. Our final runner is at Mornington and he is from the family of star sprinter Mazu (Maurice {Jpn}).
Wyong, Race 3, 1.55pm AEST, PBL Law Group Mdn H., $50,000, 1200m
Cavalla Bella (NZ), 3-year-old filly (Almanzor {Fr} x Colombelle {NZ} {Zabeel {NZ}})
This filly was bred by Frantic Bloodstock and Haunui Farm.
Her dam was unraced, while her second dam, Our Riesling (NZ) (Last Tycoon {Ire}) has produced Group 3 winner Our Valpolicella (NZ) (Red Ransom {USA}). The filly’s third dam, Dopff (NZ) (Tights {USA}) was a Group 2 winner.
Almanzor (Fr) | Standing at Cambridge Stud
The John Sargent-trained filly has had four trials ahead of her debut and will be handled by Tom Sherry.
Canberra, Race 3, 2.15pm AEST, Specialized Forklift Services H., $22,000, 1200m
Meghan, 3-year-old filly (All Too Hard x Submissive {Street Cry {Ire}})
Gerry Harvey bred this filly, who was consigned at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Offered by Westbury Stud, she sold to Matthew Smith Racing and John Foote Bloodstock for $170,000.
All Too Hard | Standing at Vinery
Meghan is from a two-time-winning mare, who is a half-sister to Group 3 victor Ingratiating (Frosted {USA}). His dam is Group 2 winner Obsequious (Lonhro).
The Matthew Smith-trained filly, who has been to the trials on three occasions, will be partnered by apprentice Ellen Hennessy.
Mornington, Race 3, 2.30pm AEST, Norma Hamilton Plate, $37,500, 1200m
Sioux Me, 3-year-old gelding (Russian Revolution x Cheyenne Sue {Zizou})
This 3-year-old was bred by Rheinwood Pastoral Co and was offered by them at the 2021 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, where he was knocked down to Shane Nichols for $105,000.
Sioux Me as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Sioux Me is a half-brother to Listed winner Let Me Sleep On It (Manhattan Rain). The gelding’s dam is a half-sister to Champion 2YO Filly in Australia 2008/09, Group 1 victress Headway (Charge Forward), and she is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Mazu (Maurice {Jpn}).
Unseen at the public trials, Sioux Me will be handled by Joe Bowditch.
Looking Back
Muramasa (Deep Impact {Jpn}) flashed home late to score on debut at Sale. Bourne (Dundeel {NZ}) debuted with a fourth-placing at Muswellbrook, while Laced Up Heels (Toronado {Ire}) was unplaced at Northam.
