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.
Racing across Australasia features a plethora of exciting 2-year-olds set to debut on Saturday, including two colts by I Am Invincible that have shown potential in their barrier trials.
Te Rapa, Race 1, 10.50am AEDT (12.50pm local), ICIB Brokerweb 2YO, NZ$65,000, 1100m
Move To Strike, 2-year-old colt (I Am Invincible x No Evidence Needed {Shamardal {USA}})
Racing at Te Rapa on Saturday commences with an intriguing 2-year-old contest, spearheaded by the debut of the promising Move To Strike for Te Akau Racing.
Everything shown by him in preparation for his debut has indicated plenty of promise, winning three trials, the latest of which was done in particularly impressive fashion. Top jockey Opie Bosson will ride the colt on debut for co-trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson.
I Am Invincible | Standing at Yarraman Park Stud
He is out of the G2 Let’s Elope S. victress No Evidence Needed, who also claimed the G3 Southern Cross S. across her career. Five of her six foals to race have won, most notably Discharged (Snitzel), who won five races and placed in the G2 Shannon S.
Purchased by David Ellis BAFNZ at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale out of the draft of Baramul Stud, with $525,000 required to secure him, Move To Strike will look to join the likes of Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) as successful purchases from the sale.
Caulfield, Race 1, 12.15pm AEDT, ive > H., $150,000, 1000m
Little Stirrer, 2-year-old filly (Written Tycoon x Teaspoon {Snitzel})
The well-named Little Stirrer will make her debut in the opening race at Caulfield on Saturday, facing a field of eight in the 1000-metre handicap.
She will be the third foal to race for Teaspoon, who was successful in the G3 Widden S. as a 2-year-old. Herself a full sister to the G3 Epona S. victress Aliyana Tilde (Snitzel), who has produced Noah ‘N’ A Deel (Maurice {Jpn}), she is also a half-sister to stakes winners Smytzer’s Trish (Geiger Counter {USA}), Stella Artois (Geiger Counter {USA}) and Freestyle (Snippets).
Little Stirrer as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Trained by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, Little Stirrer will be piloted by Michael Dee, a combination which has been fruitful, striking at 21.3 per cent for 16 wins since Lindsay Park included Will as a training partner.
Cambridge Stud went to $500,000 to purchase her at the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, having been offered by Arrowfield Stud.
Randwick, Race 1, 12.30pm AEDT, James Squire H., $160,000, 1100m
Amazing Eagle, 2-year-old colt (Capitalist x Taliqua {Charge Forward})
Mountains of anticipation follow Amazing Eagle into his racing debut at Randwick on Saturday, with the Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained colt garnering interest off the strength of a 7.5l trial win.
The heat at his home track of Rosehill on December 5 was an impressive display under Tim Clark, who will take the reins again on Saturday. Drawing barrier five in a field of seven, Clark should have plenty of options at his disposal once the gates open.
Amazing Eagle as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
By proven 2-year-old producer Capitalist, Amazing Eagle is out of Charge Forward mare Taliqua, who is set to have her first Australian runner. Both her foals to date, Speed Revolution (Russian Revolution) and Tributo (Capitalist) have tasted success in Asia.
Purchased by George Moore for $400,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale out of the draft of Highgrove Stud, he will carry the Moores’ famous maroon and white colours.
Looking Back
Friday yielded mixed results, Trap The Code (Trapeze Artist) was unable to figure in the finish at Geelong, while Yvette (I Am Invincible) encountered traffic problems in the Canterbury Park straight, recovering for a fast-finishing third. At Cranbourne, Trapeze Warrior (Trapeze Artist) made a successful debut in the second event on the program.
