Looking Ahead puts the spotlight on runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are an exceptionally well-bred or high-priced runner early in its career chasing maiden success, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse that has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.
Three exciting runners are set to hit the track across Australia on Thursday. An I Am Invincible 2-year-old colt out of a Group 1-winning mare chases debut success at Newcastle, and Pakenham is the venue for Harry Angel (Ire) and Super Seth 3-year-olds to chase maiden success.
Newcastle, Race 1, 1.35pm AEDT, Dailey Family Funerals 2YO Maiden Plate, $42,000, 1200m
Federalist, 2-year-old colt (I Am Invincible x Arcadia Queen {Pierro})
The Michael, John and Wayne Hawkes-trained Federalist (I Am Invincible) will make his debut over 1200 metres at Newcastle on Thursday. He ran a nice second at the Rosehill trials on March 6 over 900 metres behind Lavender Rose (Russian Revolution).
Federalist as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
The very well-bred colt is the first foal from the outstanding Pierro mare Arcadia Queen, who was a three-time Group 1 winner on the track. She also comes from an outstanding family with Group winners featuring close-up in her pedigree such as Arcadia Dream (Domesday), Arcadia Prince (Pierro), Action (Pierro), Broadway Belle (Redoute’s Choice), Regal Power (Pierro), and Antique Miss (Domesday).
After a stellar career on the trakc, Arcadia Queen sold at the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, fetching $3.2 million to the bid of the Arrowfield Stud.
Since producing Federalist, she has produced an I Am Invincible yearling colt that sells as Lot 282 from the draft of Arrowfield Stud at next month's Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, and she was served by Dundeel (NZ) last spring.
Federalist was a $1 million purchase by Hawkes Racing from the draft of Arrowfield Stud at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Sportsbet-Pakenham, Race 3, 6.45pm AEDT, Sportsbet Photo Finish Refund 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate, $40,000, 1000m
Bohemian Angel, 3-year-old filly (Harry Angel {Ire} x Happenings {Exceed And Excel})
The well-related Bohemian Angel is set to make her second start over 1000 metres at Pakenham for trainers Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman on Thursday. The promising daughter of the in-form Harry Angel (Ire) ran a solid second on debut at Bendigo on March 2 behind Carolina Breeze (Too Darn Hot {GB}).
Bohemian Angel as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Bohemian Angel is out of the unraced mare Happenings (Exceed And Excel), who is out of the talented Happy Hippy (Shamardal {USA}), who was a dual Listed winner.
Happenings is also a half-sister to Spiritual Pursuit (Snitzel), Wategos (Capitalist) and Bohemian Daisy (Hellbent). All of these siblings were stakes-placed on the track.
Since producing Bohemian Angel, Happenings has produced a 2-year-old colt by Street Boss (USA) named He’s A Hussler, and she was most recently served by Ole Kirk.
Bohemian Angel was a $300,000 purchase by Dalziel Bloodstock and Moody Racing from the draft of Tyreel Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Sportsbet-Pakenham, Race 4, 7.15pm AEDT, Irwin Stockfeed Maiden Plate, $40,000, 1200m
El Tercero (NZ), 3-year-old gelding (Super Seth x On The Boulevard {NZ} {Savabeel})
The progressive El Tercero (NZ) (Super Seth) is set to make his third start at Pakenham over 1200 metres for trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young on Thursday.
His form is very solid, he ran a very good second at Pakenham on debut on February 13 behind Back To The Future (Menari), and he backed that up with another very good second at Sandown behind Bossy Benita (So You Think {NZ}) on February 26.
El Tercero (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
El Tercero is out of the Savabeel mare Boulevard (NZ), who only raced three times. Boulevard is a full sister to Acting (NZ), who was successful in the G3 Thousand Guineas Prelude.
This is a very well-performed Waikato Stud family, and other Group performers that feature include Glamour Puss (NZ) (Tale Of The Cat {USA}), Forgot You (NZ) (Savabeel), Vision And Power (NZ) (Carnegie {Ire}), Steps In Time (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), and Espiona (Extreme Choice).
Boulevard, since producing El Tercero, has left a 2-year-old filly by Tivaci named Appian Way (NZ), a colt foal by Ardrossan, and was subsequently served again by Super Seth.
El Tercero was a $240,000 purchase by Busuttin Racing and Group 1 Bloodstock (FBAA) the draft of Sledmere Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Looking Back
Fleur De Blues (NZ) (U S Navy Flag {USA}) - unfortunately was scratched from her race at Waverley, she will keep for another day.
Congressman (Snitzel) - got his head down when it counted, and picked up a lovely maiden victory at Wyong.
Will It Snow (NZ) (Super Seth) - ran a moderate race for ninth resuming at Doomben. He should improve off that effort.
