Looking Ahead highlights runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are an exceptionally well-bred or high-priced runner early in their 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.
Two exciting runners are running across Australia on Sunday. A Farnan colt that has looked good at the trials makes his debut on the Sunshine Coast Poly Track and a Territories (Ire) filly chases maiden success at Casterton.
Sunshine Coast Poly Track, Race 1, 12.14pm AEDT, endEd QTIS 2YO Maiden Plate, $30,000, 1000m
Bourbon County, 2-year-old colt (Farnan x Accoy {Unencumbered})
The Lee Freedman-trained Bourbon County (Farnan) will make his debut over 1000 metres on the Sunshine Coast Poly on Sunday. He looked sharp at the Doomben trials on April 8 when defeating Koolatah Queen (Hellbent) by 5 lengths over 840 metres.
Bourbon County as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Bourbon County is the first foal from the Unencumbered mare Bourbon County, who was a three-time winner from 1000 metres to 1600 metres. Bourbon County’s grandam is the very talented Infinite Grace (Prince Of Birds {USA}), she was a seven-time winner including in the Tristarc Stakes twice, once at Group 2 level and once at Group 3 level.
Other Group winners within the pedigree include The Mitigator (Master Of Design), Fontein Ruby (Turffontein {USA}), Parure (Fastnet Rock), and Cardinal Gem (Choisir).
Since producing Bourbon County, Accoy has left a Pierata yearling filly, a Stronger yearling colt, and was most recently served by Prague last spring.
Casterton, Race 4, 1.50pm AEDT, Vickery Bros Maiden Plate, $27,000, 1200m
Buttercup, 3-year-old filly (Territories (Ire) x Hepatica {Dawn Approach {Ire}})
The promising Territories (Ire) filly, Buttercup is set to make her second start at Casterton on Sunday for trainer Tom Dabernig. She ran fifth on debut at Warrnambool on April 29 behind Big Sexy (Swear).
Buttercup is the first live foal out of Hepatica (Dawn Approach {Ire}), she was unraced but has a very tidy pedigree.
Buttercup as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Buttercup is a half-sister to Gallatin (Street Cry {Ire}) who was the winner of the G2 Tulloch Stakes, and Union Gap (Elusive Quality {USA}) who was a three-time winner and Listed placed. Further back in the family is the dual Group 1 winner and Japanese sire Fine Needle (Jpn).
Hepatica has since produced a 2-year-old filly named Bassein (Wootton Bassett {GB}), a yearling filly by Stratosphere, and was most recently served last spring again by Stratosphere.
Buttercup was purchased for $90,000 by Swttenham Stud and John Foote Bloodstock (FBAA) from the draft of Grenville Stud at the 2023 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale.
Looking Back
Capital Diva (Capitalist) - won very easily on the Gold Coast Poly, she led up and gave a great kick.
Chisholm (I Am Invincible) - Ran a solid second at Morphettville, she should improve off that effort.
Gallo Nero (Wootton Bassett {GB}) - ran a very good second at Group 2 level, it will be no surprise to see him win a Group race this preparation.
