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 at Geelong on Friday. Well-bred 3-year-olds by Proisir and Rubick are both chasing deserved maiden success.
Ladbrokes Geelong, Race 3, 1pm AEDT, The Man Walk Geelong Maiden Plate, $27,000, 1212m
Navy Nina (NZ), 3-year-old filly (Proisir x Exige {Tavistock {NZ}})
Ben, Will and JD Hayes will prepare the 3-year-old filly Navy Nina (NZ) (Proisir) to have her second start at Geelong’s Friday meeting.
Navy Nina ran a very good close-up second at Seymour last December behind the promising Entrusting (The Autumn Sun), she has since had a break and a trial and a jump out win at Werribee earlier this month to prepare herself for her first-up assignment.
Proisir | Standing at Rich Hill Stud
Navy Nina is the second foal out of the Tavistock (NZ) mare Exige (NZ), she was unraced on the track, but has already left one winner in Amiinit (NZ) (Eminent {Ire}), unfortunately Navy Nina was her last foal.
Exige is a half-sister to the talented stayer Nigelissima (NZ) (Pentire {GB}), she was a three-time winner and was successful in the Listed Champion Stakes Prelude as a 3-year-old over 2100 metres.
Other stakes winning relatives include Posing (NZ) (Truly Vain), Zanna (NZ) (Pentire {GB}), Ad Alta (NZ) (Kenfair {NZ}), Llanacord (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}), and Batman (NZ) (Falkirk {NZ}).
Navy Nina was originally purchased at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka National Weanling Sale by Phill Cataldo Bloodstock (BAFNZ) for NZ$20,000, she was then successfully re-sold at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale to Group 1 Bloodstock and Bruce Perry Bloodstock for NZ$220,000.
Ladbrokes Geelong, Race 4, 1.30pm AEDT, Modano Classic Maiden Plate, $27,000, 1512m
Ekanite, 3-year-old gelding (Rubick x Jade Marauder {Fastnet Rock})
The well-related Ekanite (Rubick) is set to make his second start over 1512 metres for trainer Chris Waller at Geelong on Friday. On his debut he ran a very nice third at Geelong on May 23, when he attacked the line well behind Shimonoseki (Extreme Choice).
Ekanite is a son of Jade Marauder (Fastnet Rock) who was a dual winner as a juvenile including in the G3 Sweet Embrace Stakes, she also placed in the G2 Tea Rose Stakes, G2 Furious Stakes, and the Listed Gimcrack Stakes.
Ekanite’s grandam is Jade Diva (Jade Robbery {USA}), she was a Listed winner on the track and also left the classy Bliss Street (Flying Spur) who was a dual Group 3 winner.
Jade Marauder since producing Ekanite, has left a 2-year-old filly named Hermione Prancer (Toronado {Ire}), a yearling colt by Written By, and is due to foal to Needs Further this spring.
Looking Back
Satin Diva (Better Than Ready) - ran second at Moe, it was a pleasing debut and a win will not be far away.
Golden Straand (Snitzel) - won in impressive fashion at Gosford, it was a very nice win by a very talented colt.
