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.
For Tuesday’s races, we focus on two well-related, unraced 3-year-olds at Newcastle and a debutant at Kyneton that has a very good international pedigree.
Newcastle, Race 3, 2.25pm AEDT, Australian Bloodstock Mdn H., $40,000, 900m
Firebird Two, 3-year-old gelding (Russian Revolution x Pirapala {Sepoy})
Bred by China Horse Club, this gelding heads to the races for the first time following two unplaced trials.
Firebird Two was consigned to the Sledmere Stud draft at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where Hawkes Racing paid $180,000 for him.
Firebird Two as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
The 3-year-old is from a two-time winner, who is a daughter of dual Listed winner Celebrity Girl (Starcraft {NZ}). That mare has produced Group 1 winner Instant Celebrity (Not A Single Doubt).
The gelding’s third dam, Dashing Granada (Keltrice), won at Listed level at her second start.
Apprentice Zac Lloyd has the ride aboard the Team Hawkes-trained galloper.
Newcastle, Race 7, 4.55pm AEDT, Hunter Valley Premium Meats Mdn Plate, $40,000, 1200m
Genetic Freak, 3-year-old colt (Shalaa {Ire} x Grand Daughter {Redoute’s Choice})
This colt was bred by Twin Palms Stud and made $280,000 at the 2021 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. Consigned by Milburn Creek, he was purchased by Yes Bloodstock.
Genetic Freak’s dam won two races, was Group 1-placed and earned more than $1 million in prizemoney.
Genetic Freak as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
The colt’s grandam, the unraced Sunday Valentine (Sundal Silence {USA}), has produced Group 2 victress El Daana (Redoute’s Choice).
The Chris Waller-trained 3-year-old is raced by some prominent owners, including Brae Sokolski and Ozzie Kheir.
Genetic Freak, who has trialled once ahead of his debut, will be handled by Josh Parr.
Kyneton, Race 4, 3pm AEDT, Carlton Draught Mdn Plate, $27,000, 1450m
3-year-old gelding, Zurich (Kingman {GB} x Bound Copy {USA} {Street Cry {Ire}})
Zurich was bred by Amelia Park Racing and Breeding and was consigned to the Segenhoe Stud draft at the 2021 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. Aramco Racing went to $600,000 to secure the son of Kingman (GB).
Zurich is the third foal of a mare that was placed as a 3-year-old in Great Britain.
Zurich as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
The gelding’s grandam, In A Bound (Ashkalani {Ire}), won at Group 2 level in 2004, while Zurich’s third dam is the great Bounding Away (Biscay), who won five Group 1s and was named Australian Horse of the Year in 1985/86.
Daniel Moor has the ride for Cranbourne trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr.
Looking Back
From Sunday, Whitten (Written Tycoon) was unplaced on debut at Geelong, while Augusta Revolution (Russian Revolution) didn’t run after the Wellington meeting was abandoned.
