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 racing on Good Friday, we look at two 3-year-olds at Canberra - one by Frankel (GB), the other by American Pharoah (USA). At Launceston, a Needs Further 2-year-old from a stakes winner debuts for John Blacker.
Canberra, Race 1, 3:05pm AEST, John McGrath Auto Group MG Phillip Plate, $22,000, 1600m
Daddy Frank, 3-year-old gelding (Frankel {GB} x Evening Rose {Street Cry {Ire}})
Bred by Yulong Stud, this gelding was offered by Yulong Investments at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where Dynamic Syndications/Dean Watt Bloodstock (FBAA) paid $180,000 for him.
Daddy Frank as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Daddy Frank is the first foal of a two-time victress, who is a half-sister to three stakes winners - Tangled (Snitzel), Maules Creek (Redoute’s Choice) and Sebrose (Sebring).
The gelding’s second dam is the former top mare Bramble Rose (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}), who won the G1 New Zealand Oaks in 2003, was named Champion 3YO Stayer in NZ 2002/03 and New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year 2002/03. Bramble Rose is a half-sister to the Group 3 scorer Lady Chaparral (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}).
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Daddy Frank, who turned in a nice debut at Kembla Grange on March 18, finishing third in the 1400-metre contest, will be ridden by Danny Beasley.
Canberra, Race 6, 12.10pm AEST, Iron Jack Plate, $22,000, 1300m
Aussie Pharoah, 3-year-old gelding (American Pharoah {USA} x Lisson Grove {Dehere {USA}})
This gelding was consigned by Yarraman Park Stud at the 2021 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, where Dynamic Syndications/Dean Watt Bloodstock (FBAA) went to $110,000.
Aussie Pharoah as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Aussie Pharoah is the seventh foal of a Listed winner, who is a sister to London Calling - the dam of the stakes winner Faraway Town (Not A Single Doubt), and a half-sister to the stakes winners Smoko (Snitzel) and Only A Lady (Sir Tristram {Ire}). The latter has thrown the stakes winner Redwood Falls (Woodman {USA}).
Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, the 3-year-old has had four trials, placing third at his past two, and will be handled by Danny Beasley.
Launceston, Race 4, 3.22pm AEST, Tasbred 2YO, $50,000, 1200m
Perola, 2-year-old filly (Needs Further x Genuine Blonde {Sandpit {Brz}})
This filly was passed in at the 2022 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale, where she was offered by Armidale Stud.
Perola as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Perola is the 13th foal of a mare that won six races - four in succession at two - including the Listed TRC One Thousand Guineas in 2004. The John Blacker-trained filly is a half-sister to the stakes winners Genuine Lad (Ladoni {GB}) and Radha Rani (Delago Brom).
Other stakes winners on Perola’s page include Kisses For Kathy (Red Diver) and Scarlet Thread (I’m Scarlet). The filly, who finished second in a Hobart trial on March 28, will be partnered by Sigrid Carr.
Looking Back
Our Looking Ahead selections on Thursday were a mixed bag. At Wyong, Helpisonitsway (Headwater) was unplaced, but at Pakenham, Acquarello (Written Tycoon) was a winner.
