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 runners by Extreme Choice and Zoustar are chasing maiden success at start number two across Australia.
Tatura, Race 1, 1.30pm AEDT, Shepparton Club 3YO Maiden Plate, $32,000, 1100m
Donato, 3-year-old colt (Extreme Choice x Burgundy Belle {NZ} {Burgundy {NZ}})
The promising Donato (Extreme Choice) makes his debut at Tatura on Tuesday for trainer Mark Walker. He has shown a bit of promise at the Cranbourne jump-outs, and won his last one over 1000 metres a couple of weeks ago.
Donato is the first foal out of the talented Burgundy Belle (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}), who was a four-time winner but placed in the G1 Telegraph Handicap, Listed Matamata Cup, and the Listed Levin Stakes.
Extreme Choice | Standing at Newgate
His grandam is Spin ‘N Grin (Spinning World {USA}) who was the winner of the G2 Eight Carat Classic on the track, and placed in the G1 Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. She herself is a half sister to Mr Smugg (NZ) (Spectactular Love {USA}), who was a Listed winner in Queensland.
Burgundy Belle in recent years has left a 2-year-old colt named Piko Bullet (Stay Inside) that is now in Japan, a Maurice (Jpn) yearling filly, and foaled a Maurice filly earlier this month.
Donato was withdrawn from the 2024 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Tatura, Race 2, 2pm AEDT, Bet365 Same Race Multi Maiden Plate, $32,000, 1000m
Above Me, 4-year-old mare (Zoustar x She’s So High {I Am Invincible})
Above Me, a daughter of Widden Stud’s Champion stallion Zoustar, will be making her fourth career start, and first start for trainer Matt Laurie at Tatura on Tuesday.
She has run some solid races and has not been too far away from featuring, it would be no surprise to see her competitive in this maiden event over the short course 1000 metres.
Above Me as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Above Me is the fourth foal from the talented She’s So High (I Am Invincible) who was a winner at Group 3 level, and at Listed level twice.
Further back in the family are the talented Group winners and stallions Deep Field and Shooting To Win, as well as other stakes winners Zaniah (Zoustar) and Listen Here (Elusive Qaulity {USA}).
She’s So High has a 3-year-old colt named Nielsen Park, a 2-year-old colt named Inner Gold (Zoustar), and has a Zoustar yearling filly, and is due to foal to Zousain next month.
Above Me was purchased for $575,000 by Yu Long Investments from the 2023 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from the Widden Stud draft.
Looking Back
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Armes (Brazen Beau) - Ran a solid third at the Sunshine Coast.
Parak (Prague) - Picked up another placing at Mornington to add to his record.
