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 horses are hitting the Ballarat Synthetic track on Tuesday. A consistent Zoustar filly chases maiden success, and a promising Alabama Express colt makes his debut.
Sportsbet-Ballarat Synthetic, Race 1, 1pm, AEDT, McGrath Ballarat Maiden Plate, $27,000, 1100m
Zoucat, 3-year-old filly (Zoustar x Snitty Kitty {Snitzel})
The sharply-bred Zoucat (Zoustar) is set to have her fourth start over 1100 metres on the Ballarat Synthetic on Sunday for trainer Ciaron Maher. She has run three very solid races in her career so far, including a good second on the same track on June 17 over 1000 metres.
Zoucat as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Zoucat is out of Snitty Kitty (Snitzel), she was a six-time winning sprinter, including in the G2 Caulfield Sprint, and the Listed Lightning Handicap. She also ran second in the G1 Oakleigh Plate, and fourth in the G1 Galaxy Handicap, and the G1 AJ Moir Stakes.
Snitty Kitty, since producing Zoucat, has produced a 2-year-old gelding named Knuckle Duster (Capitalist), a yearling colt named Adrenalize (Zoustar), and is due to foal to Ole Kirk in early October this spring.
Zoucat was purchased for $180,000 by Ciaron Maher Bloodstock and Group 1 Bloodstock (FBAA) at the 2023 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
Sportsbet-Ballarat Synthetic, Race 5, 3pm, AEDT, Porter Plant Maiden Plate, $27,000, 1200m
Wetumpka, 2-year-old colt (Alabama Express x Casino Club {Casino Prince})
The promising Wetumpka (AlabamExpress) is set to chase maiden success on debut on the Ballarat Synthetic track on Tuesday for trainer Peter Gelagotis.
The son of Alabama Express has shown good talent at the jump outs, and he won his most recent one at Pakenham earlier this month. It would be no surprise to see him run very well on debut.
Wetumpka is the fourth foal out of Casino Club (Casino Prince), she was a six-time winner from 1550 metres up to 2200 metres. She has already left the winners Capital Asset (Capitalist), and Cool Machine (Lean Mean Machine).
Wetumpka as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Retumpka’s grandam is Volted In (Rory’s Jester), she is a half-sister to the outstanding Anamoe, who was a nine-time Group 1 winner.
Other Group 1 winners in the family include Dealer Principal (Flying Spur), Grand Armee (Hennessy {USA}), Drum (Marauding), and Anamato (Redoute’s Choice).
Since producing Retumpka, Casino Club has produced a Tagaloa yearling filly, and is due to foal in September to Better Than Ready.
Retumpka was purchased for $240,000 by Toking, Stephen Gray Racing and Wattle Bloodstock (FBAA) from the Yulong draft at the 2024 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
Looking Back
Sunday 13/7/20
Nordic Strike (Anders) - Was a touch disappointing finishing ninth at debut at Bendigo, he could improve quickly though as he was stuck on the inferior going on the inside.
Flowerdale (Toronado {Ire}) - Was a narrow but impressive winner at Bendigo, she looks a filly that could progress through the grades.
