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 start out on Tuesday as Hastings with a well-related Vadamos (Fr) juvenile, it's then on to Newcastle where a Pride Of Dubai 3-year-old steps out.
Hastings, Race 3, 10.57am AEST (12.57pm local), Agritrade Valagro 2YO Mdn, NZ$14,000, 1200m
Monsoon Knight (NZ), 2-year-old gelding (Vadamos {Fr} x Call Me Blondie {NZ} {Gold Mine {USA}})
Cambridge-based trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood paid NZ$180,000 for this 2-year-old at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale (Book 2). He was consigned by Haunui Farm.
The gelding is the second foal of a mare that placed over 1400 metres.
Monsoon Knight (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
His grandam, Renee Heights (NZ) (Engagement {USA}), was unraced and is a three-quarter sister to Moet Heights (NZ) - the dam of the four-time Group 1 hero Sky Heights (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}). Renee Heights is also a half-sister to the top-flight scorers Mapperley Heights (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}) and Royal Heights (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}).
Apprentice Triston Moodley has been engaged for the gelding’s debut.
Newcastle, Race 2, 12.30pm AEST, Jennings Print Mdn H., $40,000, 1300m
Futtaim, 3-year-old gelding (Pride Of Dubai x Jiayuguan {Ire} {Teofilo {Ire}})
Bred by China Horse Club Racing, this gelding was consigned by Sledmere Stud at the 2021 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. He was purchased by Commendable Bloodstock for $40,000.
Futtaim is the first foal of a five-time winner and stakes performer.
Futtaim as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
The gelding is closely related to the multiple Group 2 scorer Porlezza (Fr) (Sicyos {USA}) and she herself is the dam of the Group 3 victress Pontenuovo (Fr) (Green Tune {USA}).
The Team Hawkes-trained galloper has had three trials ahead of his debut and will be ridden by Andrew Adkins.
Looking Back
From Sunday, Elba (Fastnet Rock) made a good start to her career, finishing second in maiden company at the Sunshine Coast, while La Seule (Kementari) and Irresistible Force (I Am Invincible) were both unplaced on debut at Ballarat.
