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 Sunday we look to Northam where a pair of 3-year-old fillies, both by Snippetson, look to get off the mark, whilst in between we turn our attention to Apiam Bendigo where a well-bred colt should show plenty of improvement from his debut run.
Northam, Race 2, 1.05pm AEST, TABtouch Giddy Up Premium Form Mdn, $22,500, 1100m
One Trick Pony, 3-year-old filly (Snippetson x Five Fields {Citidancer {Ire}})
The Lindsey Smith-trained 3-year-old One Trick Pony didn't make it to the track as a juvenile, and steps out on debut on Sunday following a third-place finish in a trial on September 19.
She was sourced from the 2021 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale by her trainer, who remains in the ownership, and is from a deep Western Australian family.
One Trick Pony as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Her dam, Five Fields, was a winner and has proved a capable producer, counting the G3 Western Australian Oaks placegetter Miss Dominican (Blackfriars) amongst her progeny, in a family that stretches back to the Group 1 winner Old Nick (Old Spice).
Set to jump from barrier seven, One Trick Pony will have Joseph Azzopardi aboard for her debut.
Apiam Bendigo, Race 2, 1.35pm AEST, Avis Bendigo Mdn Plate, $37,500, 1300m
He'll Rip, 3-year-old colt (Hellbent x Clear Ripples {Fastnet Rock})
This colt was purchased at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $120,000 by Malua Bloodstock and runs in the Flemington Bloodstock colours for trainers Leon and Troy Corstens.
His dam, the dual-winning Fastnet Rock mare Clear Ripples, is a half-sister to Derelique (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), the dam of stakes winners Man From Uncle (Uncle Mo {USA}) and Head Of State (American Pharoah {USA}).
He'll Rip as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Apart from He'll Rip, Clear Ripples has two other foals to have raced and both are winners - and it looks like she'll have the full complement soon.
He'll Rip placed fifth on debut at Warracknabeal five weeks ago, when he showed plenty of signs of inexperience by running keen early then wandering around in the home straight. He should have learned plenty from that experience so a more professional showing is expected this time.
Drawn in barrier three, He'll Rip will have the services of Damien Oliver on Sunday.
Northam, Race 5, 5.05pm AEST (3.05pm local), Gannons Blinkers Mdn, $22,500, 1300m
Pearly Nuggett, 3-year-old filly (Snippetson x Pearlesque {Statoblest {Ire})
Trained by Stephen Miller, Pearly Nuggett looks to get off the mark at Northam on Sunday having finished seventh of debut at Belmont on September 21.
Bred by Scenic Lodge, she was a $200,000 purchase by Millfields Park at the 2021 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale. She is out of Pearlesque, a dual winner who is a sister to the well-named Impressive Stats, who boasts three Listed victories amongst her 11 race wins.
Pearly Nuggett as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
It's a successful family, as Pearlesque herself produced five-time winner Friaresque (Blackfriars), who was also Listed placed.
Brad Parnham is booked to take the ride on Pearly Nuggett on Sunday, and the pair will jump from barrier nine.
Looking Back
Our first selection was Mach Ten (Exceed And Excel) and he produced a good performance to finish second on debut in the G3 Breeders' Plate at Randwick, while our second pick was Platinum Jubilee (Zoustar), who was a fine winner of the G3 Gimcrack S. on the same card. Meanwhile, our final selection was Charm Stone (I Am Invincible), who ran a fine race to finish third in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial S. at Flemington.
