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.
Three exciting runners take their place across Australia on Saturday. Progeny by Snitzel, Justify (USA), and Alabama Express are all chasing success.
Moonee Valley, Race 6, 3.20pm AEDT, Ladbrokes SRM in Multis Handicap, $150,000, 1000m
Samudra, 3-year-old filly (Snitzel x Pippie {Written Tycoon})
The very well-bred Samudra (Snitzel) is set to make her second start at Moonee Valley on Saturday. As a 2-year-old she won impressively at Sandown in late May, and after a little break, she has won a jump out nicely at Caulfield in late July over 800 metres.
Samudra as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Samudra is the first foal out of the talented sprinter Pippie (Written Tycoon). She was a six-time winner and was successful in the G1 Oakleigh Plate and the G1 AJ Moir Stakes.
Since producing Samudra, Pippie has left a 2-year-old filly by I Am Invincible, a yearling colt by I Am Invincible, and then sadly died in November last year after being served by Zoustar.
Samudra was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $775,000 from the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Cressfield.
Royal Randwick, Race 4, 1.15pm AEDT, Chandon Handicap, $160,000, 1400m
Amreekiyah, 4-year-old mare (Justify (USA) x Marianne (NZ) {Darci Brahma {NZ}})
The Peter Snowden-trained Amreekiyah (Justify {USA}) is aiming to keep her unbeaten record at Randwick on Saturday as she takes her place in a Benchmark 72 Handicap over 1400 metres in the hands of jockey Kerrin McEvoy.
Amreekiyah is the third live foal from Marianne (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), a high-class filly who was successful in the Listed Alexandra Stakes. Marianne was also placed in eight other stakes races, including at Group 2 company. She was purchased by Tom Magnier for $1.1 million at the 2018 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.
Amreekiyah as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
At stud, Marianne has already proven her worth. From her two foals to race, she is the dam of Yaletown (Vancouver), winner of the G2 Tulloch Stakes, and now Amreekiyah, who has made an unblemished start to her career, remaining unbeaten from three outings.
Her progeny continue to draw interest in the sale ring. At the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, her Justify (USA) filly sold for $800,000 to Ryan and Alexiou Racing. More recently, her Home Affairs filly was purchased by Snowden Racing Pty Ltd for $300,000 at this year's edition of the sale. She also has a yearling filly by Justify, and missed to Wootton Bassett (GB) last year..
Amreekiyah was purchased by Emirates Park, Snowden Racing and William Johnson Bloodstock (FBAA) for $420,000 from the Coolmore draft at the 2023 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Newcastle, Race 3, 1.35pm AEDT, Equi-Energy Youth F&M Maiden Handicap, $42,000, 1250m
From The Peak, 4-year-old mare (Alabama Express x Andes {Street Cry {Ire}})
The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton trained and Yulong Investments bred and owned From The Peak (Alabama Express) will be making her fourth start at Newcastle on Saturday. She has run three solid races in her career so far, including a brave on-pace third behind Kerber (I Am Invincible) at her last start at Canterbury on July 23.
From The Peak is out of the Street Cry (Ire) nare Andes, she only raced once, but has started her broodmare career well. Her first foal Mountain Range (Teofilo {Ire}) has been a winner, and her third foal, Pharari (American Pharoah {USA}) has been a four-time winner and Listed placed.
From The Peak as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
There are a range of international Group-winners throughout the pedigree including Aramayo (Poet’s Voice {GB}), In The Wings (GB), High Hawk (Ire) (Shirley Heights {GB}), Hunting Hawk (Ire) and Botanik (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}).
Since producing From The Peak, Andes has produced a 3-year-old filly named Albuquerque (Written Tycoon), and is due to foal to Tagaloa in early September.
From The Peak was offered at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, but was passed in short of her $120,000 reserve.
Looking Back
Trapdoor (Brutal {NZ}) - Was very impressive winning at Geelong, he settled well back and once pulled out wide, he stormed home to win with ease. He is clearly one to follow.
Navy Nina (NZ) (Proisir) - Ran an honest second at Geelong.
