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 Hawkesbury on Sunday. An Astern gelding makes his first start for the Brad Widdup stable, and a juvenile by Fierce Impact (Jpn) chases maiden success.
Hawkesbury, Race 1, 11.45am AEDT, HRC Motel Provincial Maiden Handicap, $45,000, 1300m
Afloat, 3-year-old gelding (Astern x Segue {Ad Valorem {USA})
The Brad Widdup-trained Afloat (Astern) will be chasing his maiden victory on his new home track over 1300 metres on Sunday.
His form on paper is strong, and he placed in two of his four starts for his previous trainer James Cummings. He will be making his first start for his new trainer and connections in this event, and he has looked good in his two trials this preparation at Warwick Farm and Rosehill.
Astern | Image courtesy of Darley
Segue was a three-time winner up to 1250 metres, and has left the talented Astoria (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}), who won the G3 Newcastle Spring Stakes, and placed in the G1 Victoria Derby amongst a lot of other stakes races.
Afloat is a descendant of - the famed matriarch Eight Carat (GB) (Pieces Of Eight {Ire}). There are so many successful Group-performers within his pedigree including Don Eduardo (NZ), Kaapstad (NZ), Forever Loved (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}), Tristalove (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}), Viscount, Shower Of Roses (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), Viking Ruler, Kempinsky, and De Beers,
Afloat was a $40,000 purchase by Brad Widdup Racing from the 2025 Inglis Digital April Sale.
Hawkesbury, Race 2, 12.25pm AEDT, Blakes Marine Maiden Plate, $42,000, 1500m
Mountain Queen, 2-year-old filly (Fierce Impact (Jpn) x Hands Off {Trusting})
Mountain Queen, a daughter of Lovatsville’s promising stallion Fierce Impact (Jpn), will be making her second start at Hawkesbury, for Warwick Farm trainer Matthew Smith.
She ran a solid race for third on debut at Hawkesbury on July 3, where she attacked the line strongly from way back in the field behind Cross Tasman (NZ) (Super Seth).
Fierce Impact (Jpn) | Standing at Lovatsville
Mountain Queen is the second foal from Hands Off (Trusting), who was a winner at 1600 metres, and has already left a winner with her first foal in Can’t Touch This (Flying Artie).
The family is a bit quiet in black type close-up but further back features the classy stallion General Nediym.
Hands Off, since producing Mountain Queen, has left a weanling colt by Fierce Impact, and is due to foal to him again in September this spring.
Looking Back
Brego (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) - Ran a solid third at Rotorua
You're The Choice (Farnan) - Ran an honest race at Gosford, finishing third.
Bayou Music (Street Boss {USA}) - Ran a very good second at Felmington, he was a touch unlucky.
