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 promising horses are hitting the track across Australia on Wednesday. Progeny by Lucky Vega (Ire), Snitzel, and Royal Meeting (Ire) are all chasing success.
Rosehill, Race 2, 3pm AEDT, United Resource Management 3YO Maiden Handicap, $60,000, 1200m
Green Spring, 3-year-old gelding (Lucky Vega (Ire) x Soosa Rama {Bel Esprit})
The sharply-bred Green Spring (Lucky Vega {Ire}), is set to make his third start over 1200 metres for trainers Annabel and Rob Neasham at Rosehill on Wednesday. He has looked smart placing at his two juvenile runs last campaign.
Green Spring is out of Soosa Rama (Bel Esprit), she was a four-time winner up to 1400 metres, and has left three individual winners including Navillus Hellfire (Hellbent), Flying Artist (Flying Artie), and Power Bank (Deep Field).
Green Spring as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Green Spring was originally purchased for $17,500 by Duryea Racing from the Phoenix Broodmare Farm draft at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Weanling Sale, he was then presented by Lime Country Thoroughbreds at the 2024 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale where he sold to Midori racing for $140,000.
Soosa Rama since producing Green Spring, has left a 2-year-old filly by Captivant, and is due to foal to Sebring Sun later this spring.
Rosehill, Race 3, 3.35pm AEDT, Asahi Super Dry B72 Handicap, $60,000, 1300m
Snitzel Dancer, 3-year-old filly (Snitzel x Novel Dancer {Written Tycoon})
The exciting Snitzel Dancer (Snitzel) is looking to remain unbeaten for trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou at Rosehill on Wednesday.
On debut she was an impressive winner at Canterbury and she looks well placed to be competitive straight up in grade.
Snitzel Dancer as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Snitzel Dancer is the fifth foal and fifth winner from Novel Dancer (Written Tycoon), a classy juvenile who won twice and later placed in the G3 Quezette Stakes. She has produced Pancho (Dissident), winner of five races including the Listed TCL TV Stakes and the Listed Kilmore Cup.
Snitzel Dancer was purchased by Ryan and Alexiou Racing for $425,000 from the Sledmere Stud draft at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Unfortunately, Novel Dancer has not produced a live foal since Snitzel Dancer.
Sportsbet Sandown Hillside, Race 1, 2pm AEDT, Sportsbet Race Previews Maiden Plate, $55,000, 1000m
Act Natural, 4-year-old gelding (Royal Meeting (Ire) x Sicily {Snitzel})
Sandown's Wednesday meeting will be the venue for Act Natural (Royal Meeting {Ire}) to chase his maiden success. His form has been rock solid placing in all of his six starts, including a solid second at is last start at Geelong behind Siesta (Invader).
The gelding is the third foal from the Snitzel mare Sicily, who was placed on the track in South Australia.
Act Natural as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Act Natural comes from a very strong extended family including the classy Group 1 winners Tavago (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), Lankan Rupee (Redoute’s Choice), and other Group winners Straight Arron (Fastnet Rock), and Weregoingtogetcha (Testa Rossa).
Unfortunately Sicily has not left a live foal since producing Act Natural, but she has left the winners Ding Ding (Impending), and Lubly Sing (Lean Mean Machine).
Act Natural was purchased for $30,000 by Bourne Racing, from the Murrulla Stud draft at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale Book 2.
Looking Back
Donato (Extreme Choice) - Ran a very good second at Tatura on debut, it was a very promsiing start to his career.
Above Me (Zoustar) - Was scratched from her race at Tatura.
