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.
On Tuesday, two 3-year-olds will have their first race start, including a filly by Written Tycoon who looks well-placed in the opening event on the program.
Wangaratta, Race 1, 1.30pm AEDT, Bi-Rite Electrical Wangaratta Mdn Plate, $27,000, 1100m
Sienna Clare, 3-year-old filly (Written Tycoon x Optical {NZ} {Swiss Ace})
Tuesday at Wangaratta provides the launching pad for the career of Sienna Clare, who will compete for the first time in the opening race of the program.
Prepared by Nick Ryan, who is striking at 18 per cent from his last 50 runners, the filly has been given time to learn her craft, including a placing at a recent jump-out.
By Champion Sire Written Tycoon, Sienna Clare is out of an unraced Swiss Ace mare, Optical (NZ), who is a three-quarter sister to the Listed Great Northern Foal S. winner Ichiban (NZ) (Swiss Ace), and a half-sister to the Listed TCL S. winner Hursley (NZ) (Makfi {GB}).
Written Tycoon | Standing at Yulong
Bred by industry leviathan Gerry Harvey, Sienna Clare was offered in the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, but was passed in. As a result, she will race in Harvey’s famous blue and white colours.
Blaike McDougall will pilot the filly for her first crack at a race, in which she will jump from barrier four.
Wangaratta, Race 3, 2.30pm AEDT, Tyrepower Wangaratta Mdn Plate, $27,000, 1400m
Rishiri (NZ), 3-year-old gelding (Staphanos {Jpn} x Isola Bella {NZ} {Volksraad {GB}})
Veteran horseman Michael Moroney has enjoyed plenty of success with bringing New Zealand-bred prospects to Australia, and he looks to have another progressive type in his care with Rishiri (NZ), who will make his debut at Wangaratta on Tuesday.
Purchased for NZ$85,000 at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale out of the draft of Ralph Thoroughbreds, this son of Staphanos (Jpn) has been well-educated on his road to racing, winning his most recent jump-out at his home course of Flemington.
Rishiri (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
He is out of Isola Bella (NZ), a winning daughter of Volksraad (GB) who currently has an unblemished record as a producer, with Big Story (NZ) (What’s The Story {NZ}) claiming two victories to date in South Australia.
The family has enjoyed success globally, with victors including the G1 Longchamp Prix du Cadran victor Molesnes (USA) (Alleged {USA}), the G2 Phar Lap S. winner Just Mambo - Nittan’s Crown (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) and dual Listed winner Scouting Wide (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).
Jockey Fred Kersley will accompany the gelding at his first race start, with the pair jumping from barrier 12.
Looking Back
Our two runners at Gosford on Sunday ran well without winning, Still Alice (Epaulette) was able to secure a placing on her debut, while Rustenburg (The Autumn Sun) placed second in his assignment.
