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 on Thursday at Warrnambool, where a Hellbent colt and a Pierro filly debut for the all-conquering Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable. Then, it’s off to Western Australia, with a well-related Kermadec (NZ) filly lining up at Northam.
Warrnambool, Race 2, 2pm AEDT, Jericho Packages Still Available Mdn Plate, $37,500, 1200m
Tuck, 3-year-old colt (Hellbent x Catalonia {Flying Spur})
Wallings Bloodstock bred this colt, who was consigned by Tyreel Stud at the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. He was knocked down to Rosemont-Victorian Alliance, Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA) and David Redvers Bloodstock for $200,000.
Tuck is out of a two-time winner who was placed in Listed grade and she herself has thrown the R. Listed-winning 2-year-old Espaaniyah (I Am Invincible).
Tuck as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
The colt’s second dam, Montmelo (Viscount), placed in Group 2 class and she is a three-quarter sister to the Listed scorer Le Mans (Quest For Fame {GB}) and Interlagos (Quest For Fame {GB}) - the dam of the Listed victress Brasileira (Commands). Montmelo has produced the Group 3 winner Jorda (Exceed And Excel) and the stakes performer Pursuits (Lonhro).
Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Tuck placed third in a Cranbourne trial on August 7.
The colt will be handled by Declan Bates.
Warrnambool, Race 4, 3pm AEDT, Subway Warrnambool F&M Mdn Plate, $37,500, 1400m
Lively, 3-year-old filly (Pierro x Japhils {Choisir})
This filly was offered by her breeder - Highgrove Stud - at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, and she was bought for $400,000 by Milano Bloodstock and Ciaron Maher Bloodstock.
Lively is from a three-time winner who earned black type when claiming the Listed Nitschke S. in 2015.
Lively as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
This Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained filly is a half-sister to the Sandown-Hillside winner and Listed placegetter Perceptive (Written Tycoon).
Lively is closely related to the stakes winners Millstreet (GB) (Polish Precedent {USA}) and Campsie Fells (UAE) (Indian Ridge {Ire}).
She will debut under Linda Meech.
Northam, Race 4, 6.37pm AEDT (3.37pm local), Celebrating Past And Present Sponsors Mdn, $25,00, 1300m
Kermelia, 3-year-old filly (Kermadec {NZ} x Ezee Ezee {NZ} {Zabeel {NZ}})
A hombred for Peter Walsh’s Amelia Park Racing & Breeding, Kermelia is from a two-time winner who is a three-quarter sister to the triple Group 1 hero Efficient (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), and a half-sister to the elite-level scorer On The Rocks (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}).
Other stakes winners on the filly’s page include Guillotine (NZ) - and he is also a Group 2-producing sire, and Dancing Flojo (NZ) (Amazing Dancer {USA}).
Kermadec (NZ) | Standing at Darley
The Daniel and Ben Pearce-trained filly won a Lark Hill trial on October 2, before placing fifth in her second trial at the same venue a fortnight later.
Clint Johnston-Porter has the ride.
Looking Back
In Race 2 at Randwick-Kensington, Ragga Ragga (Toronado {Ire}) was heavily supported and led into the straight before fading to finish sixth, while Tulle (Sepoy) ran well to place third. At Doomben, Leitzel (Trapeze Artist) was unplaced in Race 5.
