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 pair of selections on Sunday, with Whitten (Written Tycoon) who makes his debut at Geelong. We then turn our attention to Augusta Revolution (Russian Revolution), who will line up for the first time at Wellington.
Geelong, Race 1, 12.45pm AEDT, bet365 Mdn Plate, $27,000, 1225m
Whitten, 3-year-old colt (Written Tycoon x Jester’s Girl {Commands})
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Whitten makes his debut at Geelong on Sunday and he will be ridden by Jordan Childs from barrier six.
Bred by Ian Smith of Edinburgh Park, the 3-year-old colt was purchased by Victorian Alliance, Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA) and David Redvers Bloodstock for $300,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Whitten as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Whitten is out of Listed-winning Commands mare Jester’s Girl and her three winners are headed by fellow Listed scorer Assimilate (Sebring).
Jester’s Girl herself is a daughter of Listed winner How Funny (Rory’s Jester), who also finished runner-up in the G1 Golden Slipper S. The mare she also foaled three further winners, including the stakes-placed gelding The Comedian (Encosta De Lago). Whitten also derives from the same family as G3 Caulfield Classic winner Thought Of That (So You Think {NZ}).
Wellington, Race 1, 1.50pm AEDT, Keirle’s Pharmacy H. CG&E Mdn H., $27,000, 1000m
Augusta Revolution, 3-year-old gelding (Russian Revolution x Augusta Proud {More Than Ready {USA}})
This son of Russian Revolution makes his debut at Wellington on Sunday. The 3-year-old gelding will break from barrier two with Grant Buckley booked to take the ride.
Augusta Revolution as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Bred by Kerry O’Brien, who retained the gelding to race after he failed to make his $100,000 reserve at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2021.
Trained by Brett Cavanough, Augusta Revolution is a son of dual Group 3-winning More Than Ready (USA) mare Augusta Proud and her three winners are spearheaded by Group 3 scorer Thyme For Roses (Redoute’s Choice).
Further back this is the same family as dual US Grade 1 winner Mercedes Won (USA) (Air Forbes Won {USA}).
Looking Back
Our first selection, Cylinder (Exceed And Excel) ran well to finish second in the Max Lees Classic at Newcastle, while Sailor's Rum (Merchant Navy) was fifth at Cranbourne and The Maldives (Fastnet Rock) was last at Kembla Grange.
