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 at Newcastle on Tuesday, where Align The Planets (Pierro) looks to get off the mark at the first time of asking as a 3-year-old, while expensive filly Outsider (Snitzel) makes her debut at the track. Bengal Boy (Dundeel {NZ}) tries to break the ice at Hamilton.
Newcastle, Race 3, 3.05pm AEDT, Horsepower Mdn Plate, $40,000, 1200m
Align The Planets, 3-year-old gelding (Pierro x Syzygy Blossom {Testa Rossa})
Having run twice as a juvenile, the John O’Shea-trained Align The Planets will make his 3-year-old debut when he takes his chance at Newcastle on Tuesday. The gelding will be ridden by Sam Clipperton from barrier 12.
The son of Coolmore’s Pierro was purchased by his trainer for $360,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from the Coolmore Stud draft in 2021.
Align The Planets as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Align The Planets is out of the winning Testa Rossa mare Syzygy Blossom and she is a half-sister to G3 Kindergarten S. winner Anise (General Nediym), the dam of Listed Atlantic Jewel winner Troach (Epaulette).
Further back, the gelding’s third dam is Group 2 winner Twiglet (Twig Moss {Fr}) and she is also the dam of multiple Group 1-winning Hong Kong Champion Fairy King Prawn (Danehill {USA}) and fellow elite scorer turned sire Easy Rocking.
Newcastle, Race 4, 3.40pm AEDT, NZB Karaka Yearling Sale Starts January F&M Mdn H., $40,000, 1400m
Outsider, 3-year-old filly (Snitzel x Secluded {Hussonet {USA}})
This well-bred Snitzel filly makes her debut at Newcastle for trainer Chris Waller and she will be ridden by Brett Prebble from barrier four.
Purchased by Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock for $1.05 million at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from the Arrowfield Stud draft. Outsider is out of three-time winning Hussonet (USA) mare Secluded making her a three-quarter sister to dual Group 3 winner and now Arrowfield Stud resident Pariah.
Outsider as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Secluded is a half-sister to Cloister (Marauding {NZ}), the dam of dual Group 1 winner Melito (Redoute’s Choice), while further back this is the same family as Group 3 winner Rocketing By (So You Think {NZ}) and You’re So Good (NZ) (Savabeel), whose two career wins are headed by a victory in the Listed Alexandra S.
Hamilton, Race 4, 12pm AEDT, Joel Riddle Constructions Mdn Plate, $27,000, 1600m
Bengal Boy, 3-year-old gelding (Dundeel {NZ} x Bengal Angel {Nadeem})
Having not been seen since two unplaced runs in August, Bengal Boy will look to get off the mark on his first start this season when he lines up at Hamilton on Tuesday. The gelding will jump from barrier six with Alana Kelly booked to take the ride.
Trained by Matt Cumani and raced by OTI, the son of Arrowfield Stud’s Dundeel (NZ) was purchased by his trainer and Boomer Bloodstock (FBAA) for $280,000 from the Holbrook Thoroughbreds draft at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in 2021.
Bengal Boy as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
The 3-year-old is out of eight-time-winning Nadeem mare Bengal Angel, making him half-brother to three winners.
Further back this is the same family as late stallion Blackfriars and stakes-placed gelding Trichologist (War Pass {USA}).
Looking Back
Our first selection on Sunday was Campione (Zoustar) and he finished third at the Sunshine Coast, while our other pick Puppet President (NZ) (Almanzor {Fr}) finished unplaced at Moe.
