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 kick off our day in New Zealand as the well-bred Divici Belle (Not A Single Doubt), looks to make the perfect start to her career. We finish our day at Newcastle where Tragara (Written Tycoon) will attempt to get off the mark over 1250 metres.
Matamata, Race 4, 11.40am AEDT (1.40pm local), Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre, NZ$15,000, 1200m
Divici Belle, 3-year-old filly (Not A Single Doubt x Meleka Belle {NZ} {Iffraaj {GB}})
The Ken and Bev Kelso-trained Divici Belle makes her debut at Matamata on Saturday and she will break from barrier three with Cameron Lammas booked to take the ride.
Bred by Mrs NM Leicester, the filly is out of winning Iffraaj (GB) mare Meleka Belle (NZ) making the filly a three-quarter sister to multiple Group 1-winning Champion Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) and Tutukaka (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), whose two career victories are headed by a victory at Listed level.
Not A Single Doubt
Melody Belle herself was purchased by the Yulong’s Written Tycoon Syndicate for $2.6 million at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale in 2021.
Newcastle, Race 7, 5.05pm AEDT, The Paterson Tavern Mdn Plate, $40,000, 1250m
Tragara, 3-year-old filly (Written Tycoon x Ariaz {Charge Forward})
Having been last seen running second, the Michael Freedman-trained Tragara, a daughter of Written Tycoon, will attempt to get off the mark at the fifth time of asking when she lines up at Newcastle on Saturday.
The filly was snapped up by James Harron Bloodstock and the Freedman Brothers for $380,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in 2021 and she is a daughter of winning, Group 3-place Charge Forward mare Ariaz.
Tragara as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
The filly also derives from the same family as dual Group 3 scorer Shelbourne Lass (Brocco {USA}) and she is the dam of four winners, spearheaded by G3 Aurie's Star H. winner Elusive Touch (Elusive Quality {USA}).
Tragara will break from barrier 15 with Ashley Morgan booked to take the ride.
Looking Back
Letsavadance (NZ) (Savabeel) was unplaced at Pakenham-Synthetic, while our second selection, French Step (So You Think {NZ}) finished third at Ipswich and Pink Cashmere (I Am Invincible) was scratched before her race at Moonee Valley.
