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.
Friday features action across New South Wales and Victoria, and is heavily influenced by Lonhro, the sire of one runner and the grandsire of the remaining two.
Yarra Valley, Race 2, 1.05pm AEDT, Daac Mdn Plate, $27,000, 1209m
La Magia, 3-year-old filly (Pierro x Cosmic Powers {Not A Single Doubt})
The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace operation head to Yarra Valley, to debut their promising filly La Magia.
This daughter of Pierro has shown improvement in her preparation for her first race start, going from seventh to second in a pair of Cranbourne jump-outs. She is bred to perform early, her dam, Cosmic Powers, was a winner as a 2-year-old, and she has produced the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre S. winner Lord Cosmos - Golden Cosmo (Pierro).
La Magia as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Jockey Theodore Ladd has had just six rides in Australia since commencing riding on December 10, picking up a victory at Traralgon aboard Wambeen (Wandjina).
La Magia was purchased by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock for $300,000 at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, out of the draft of Newgate Farm.
Wagga, Race 7, 5.20pm AEDT, Riverina Cranes Supermaiden H., $50,000, 1000m
Tropical Breeze, 3-year-old filly (Denman x Breezing Home {War Pass {USA}})
Dual-license holder and industry veteran Danny Beasley will saddle up and steer his second ever runner as a trainer, when Tropical Breeze has her first race start at Wagga Racecourse on Friday.
She is out of a proven producer in the form of Breezing Home, who has seen four foals to race for as many winners, including full siblings On The Top - Namjong Sings (Your Song) and Glorious Ruby (Your Song), who have combined for 13 wins across Australia and Hong Kong.
Denman | Standing at Twin Hills Stud
Displaying some talent in her last barrier trial, winning by 1.5l, she can chalk up Denman’s 621st individual winners if she can greet the judge first on her home track.
Tropical Breeze was bred by trainer Mark Newnham, who now plies his trade in Hong Kong, and has never been offered for public purchase.
Cranbourne, Race 1, 6.15pm AEDT, Kids Night Out Mdn Plate, $40,000, 1000m
Presides, 3-year-old colt (Lonhro x Moderate {Commands})
Godolphin will unveil another well-bred 3-year-old on Friday evening, when Presides steps out in the opening race of the Cranbourne program.
This colt is out of the Listed Lexus Hybrid Plate winner Moderate, who was a four-time victress on the track, including as a 2-year-old. She has visited Lonhro on multiple occasions, so far producing two foals to race, the G3 Black Opal S. winner Pin Sec and three-time victor Restrained being the results.
Lonhro
He has shown some early promise, winning a jump-out at Flemington earlier this month when rolling along in front. The services of Jye McNeil have been engaged, who rides Cranbourne particularly well, striking at 14.2 per cent, exceeding his career average of 11 per cent.
Bred by Godolphin, the colt will race in the famous royal blue colours, under the tutelage of trainer James Cummings.
Looking Back
At Otaki, Bella Timing (NZ) (Time Test {GB}) was withdrawn on race morning, while at Seymour, Inez (Fastnet Rock) was narrowly beaten in a thrilling finish. Dundeel (NZ) filly It's A Wonder also ran into the minor money, claiming second.
