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 runners by Harry Angel (Ire), I Am Invincible and Lonhro chase success across Australia on Wednesday.
Caulfield Heath, Race 1, 1.25pm AEDT, Sportsbet Race Previews 2YO Handicap, $50,000, 1000m
Angelic Rise, 2-year-old filly (Harry Angel (Ire) x Ladder {Commands})
The promising Angelic Rise (Harry Angel {Ire}) makes her second start on the Caulfield Heath on Wednesday, after disappointing a touch when well supported and running sixth in the much stronger R. Listed Inglis 2YO Classic at Flemington earlier this month.
The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained filly is out of Ladder (Commands), she was a winner at 1350 metres on the track.
Angelic Rise as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Ladder is a three-quarter-sister to Marching (Commands), who was the winner of the G1 Aami Vase, and placed in the G1 Victoria Derby, G1 Australian Guineas and the G1 Caulfield Guineas. Angelic Rise’s grandam High Step (Lonhro) is a half sister to the stakes winner Gait (Anabaa {USA}), and is also related to the four-time Group 1 winner and sire Trapeze Artist.
Angelic Rise was purchased for $55,000 by Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock (BAFNZ) and Lindsay Park Racing from the Tarcoola Stud draft at this year’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale Book 2.
Canterbury Park, Race 2, 3pm AEDT, TAB Maiden Plate, $100,000, 1200m
La Basilique, 3-year-old filly (I Am Invincible x Vezalay {Shamardal {USA}})
The well-bred La Basilique (I Am Invincible) is set to make her second career start at Canterbury on Wednesday for her trainer Chris Waller and owners Yu Long Investments.
On debut at Kembla Grange late last month, she ran a solid second behind Virgil’s Gift (Street Boss {USA}) over 1200 metres, and off that experience, she looks a type that will improve off that run.
La Basilique as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
La Basilique is the fourth and last foal from Vezalay (Shamardal {USA}), who was a Listed winner on the track, and a subsequent $1 million purchase as a broodmare.
Further back in the family is the Group 3 winner and young sire Sun City, and the stakes winners Royal Discretion (Royal Academy {USA}), Roulettes (Flying Spur), and Parlophone (I Am Invincible).
La Basilique was purchased by Highway Farm for $1 million from the Widden Stud draft at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Canterbury Park, Race 4, 4.10pm AEDT, Ole Kirk @ Vinery Stud Handicap, $60,000, 1200m
Mother Goose, 4-year-old mare (Lonhro x Maternal {Street Cry {Ire}})
The well-bred Mother Goose (Lonhro), is set to chase her second win at Canterbury over 1200 metres for trainer Gary Portelli on Wednesday. She ran very well for second when resuming at Wyong for her new trainer late last month, and looks ready to go close on Wednesday.
Mother Goose is the third live foal out of the Street Cry (Ire) mare Maternal, who was a six-time winner including in the Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic. She has already proven to be successful as a broodmare leaving two winners including the four-time winner and Listed fourth-placed Camaquey (Teofilo {Ire}) and Shipshape (Astern) who has won twice and been placed at metropolitan level.
The late Lonhro | Image courtesy of Darley
Maternal is also a half sister to Deity (Exceed And Excel), a three-time winner, and also the dam of the excitement machine Tentyris (Street Boss {USA}) who was an impressive winner of the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes during the Spring.
Mother Goose is also well-related with her grandam being the very classy Divine Madonna (Hurricane Sky) who was a four-time Group 1 winner on the track including in the G1 Emirates Stakes, G1 Toorak Handicap, G1 Myer Classic, and the G1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes.
Since Producing Mother Goose, Maternal has left a 3-year-old gelding by Bivouac named Loving who has been a dual winner from only three starts, a 2-year-old colt by Too Darn Hot (GB) called Accompany, a yearling colt by Microphone, before she sadly died in August this year after missing to Shamus Award.
Looking Back
Spicy Surprise (Tagaloa) - Disappointed slightly running seventh at Scone, he was beaten only 2 lengths, so he may improve off that effort.
Avista (Maurice {Jpn}) - Made a very promising debut running third at Scone.
