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.
Lismore is a big focus for us on Friday, with three starters grabbing our attention. All are geldings, with two of them 3-year-olds and one a juvenile.
Lismore, Race 1, 11.45am AEST, Our Kids Country Boosted Mdn H., $30,000, 1310m
Majestic Teako (NZ), 3-year-old gelding (Telperion x Katmai {Strategic})
Bred by Gerry Harvey, this gelding was bought by Majestic Lodge for $27,000 from the Baramul Stud draft at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast 2YOs In Training Sale. The 3-year-old is out of a mare who won at Adelaide at two and is a three-quarter sister to the multiple Listed victress Kakakakatie (Zeditave).
Majestic Teako (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Katmai has done a good job as a broodmare; of seven foals, six have raced and all are winners. This family also includes the Group 1 winners Telesto (NZ) and Bonanova (NZ) (Star Way {GB}).
Trained at Ballina by Ethan Ensby, Majestic Teako will be ridden by apprentice Yvette Lewis and the 3-year-old heads into his debut after a Ballina trial win on June 29.
Lismore, Race 3, 12.55pm AEST, Events Party Hire Mdn Plate, $26,862, 1110m
Watchguard, 2-year-old gelding (Toronado {Ire} x Vigilance {Sepoy})
Bred by Murray Thoroughbreds, this 2-year-old was offered by Three Bridges Thoroughbreds at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale. There, he was knocked down to Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA) and Silverdale Farm for $260,000. He was later consigned by Silverdale Farm at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and China Horse Club/Newgate Bloodstock/Starlight went to $400,000 for him.
Watchguard as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
He is the second foal of a four-time winner and his grandam, Watchful Eyes (Ire) (Street Sense {USA}), was unraced and is a half-sister to the stakes performers Cavalaire Bay (Red Ransom {USA}) and Forum Magnum (USA) (Elusive Quality {USA}).
Stakes winners on this gelding’s page include French Bid (Anabaa {USA}), My Brilliant Star (Copper Kingdom {USA}) and Shot Of Thunder. The Stephen Lee-trained juvenile, who won a Rosehill trial on June 20, will be handled by Les Tilley.
Lismore, Race 4, 1.35pm AEST, Lismore Cup Thurs 21st September Mdn Plate, $26,862, 1110m
Bassac Lane, 3-year-old gelding (Nicconi x Amansara {Not A Single Doubt})
Toby and Trent Edmonds train this gelding and they, in partnership with Kestrel Thoroughbreds, went to $250,000 for him at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale when he was offered by Mill Park Stud.
Bassac Lane as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Bassac Lane is from a mare that placed at three and is a half-sister to the Listed winner Dr Zhivago. The gelding is closely related to the stakes winner Azzurro (Bluebird {USA}) and the stakes performer Cohiba (Bluebird {USA}).
Michael Cahill takes the ride and the pair will break from the outside alley.
Looking Back
Lady Of Poise (Trapeze Artist) was an impressive debut winner at Kembla Grange, before Let’s Get Down (Better Than Ready) followed suit at Pakenham. Our final runner - Forever Boy (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) was unplaced at Pinjarra Park.
