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 a Nicconi filly with a host of stakes winners on her page debuts. We then head to Mornington, and in Race 3, a couple of well-bred 3-year-olds also face the starter for the first time.
Newcastle, Race 1, 1.50pm AEDT, PFD Food Services 3YO Mdn H., $42,000, 900m
Ludovica, 3-year-old filly (Nicconi x Lucky Angel {Redoute’s Choice})
This filly was offered by her breeder - Widden Stud - at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, and she was knocked down to Speriamo Bloodstock and Blandford Bloodstock for $155,000.
Ludovica as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Ludovica is the seventh foal of a stakes performer who is a half-sister to the stakes winners Prisoner Of Love (Canny Lad), Hoystar (Danzero), Sportsman (Supremo {USA}) and King Of Prussia, as well as Soho Secret (Lucky Owners {NZ}) - the dam of the elite-level winner and Group 1-producing sire Vanbrugh.
Trained by Gabrielle Ellis at Warwick Farm, Ludovica finished fourth in a trial on her home track last month.
Jockey Jay Ford has been engaged.
Mornington, Race 3, 2.30pm AEDT, Neds Supersized Saturday Plate, $27,000, 1000m
Chanchos, 3-year-old gelding (Grunt {NZ} x Argentinian Gold {Husson {Arg}})
This gelding was offered by his breeder - Yulong - at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He made $80,000, with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott buying.
Chanchos is the second foal of a 1400-metre winner who is a half-sister to the Group 2 winner Dan De Lago (Encosta De Lago).
Chanchos as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
His second dam, The Golden Dane (Danehill {USA}), won four races, including two in Listed company. She is a half-sister to the stakes winners Seto Flowerian (Bellotto {USA}) and Presina (Prego {Ire}), as well as Poet’s Breeze (Zephyr Bay). The former is the dam of the stakes winners Fusaichi Junk (Jpn) (Sunday Silence {USA}) and Tiger Cafe (Jpn), while Poet’s Breeze has thrown the stakes winners Brindabella (Bellotto {USA}), Lawson’s Storm (Bellotto {USA}) and Peacemaker (Brief Truce {USA}).
Winona Costin takes the ride and the pair will break from the inside alley.
Mornington, Race 3, 2.30pm AEDT, Neds Supersized Saturday Plate, $27,000, 1000m
Miss Marceau, 3-year-old filly (Zoustar x Mime {NZ} {Mastercraftsman {Ire}})
Bred by China Horse Club Racing, this filly was consigned by Sledmere Stud at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale. She was knocked down to Clayton Douglas Racing for $180,000.
Miss Marceau is the second foal of a dual Group 2 victress who is a sister to the Group 3 placegetter Artiste (NZ) and a half-sister to Karrdo (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}), who was second in the Listed Matamata Slipper.
Miss Marceau as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Other stakes winners on this filly’s page include the Group 1 scorers Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) and Sacred Kingdom (Encosta De Lago).
The Douglas-trained Miss Marceau will debut at her home track under Paul Gatt.
Looking Back
From Sunday, Dirty Weekend (So You Think {NZ}) was unplaced on debut at Bendigo, while at Hawkesbury, Inquisitive Legend (Zoustar) and Deebuz (Dundeel {NZ}) also failed to finish in the placings.
