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 promising staying 3-year-old types by Ghaiyyath (Ire) and Contributer (Ire) go head-to-head at Sale on Sunday.
Sale, Race 3, 2.05pm AEDT, Sale Water Specialists Maiden Plate, $55,000, 1732m
Cushioned, 3-year-old filly (Ghaiyaath (Ire) x Loveseat (NZ) {Savabeel})
The exciting Cushioned (Ghaiyyath (Ire) looks very hard to beat at Sale on Sunday over 1732 metres.
The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained filly ran third at Werribee on debut, where she attacked the line strongly and she looks ready for the step up in distance.
Ghaiyaath (Ire) | Standing at Darley
She is out of the four-time winner Loveseat (NZ) (Savabeel), who is very well-bred being a full sister to the dual Group 3 winner Missybeel (NZ) (Savabeel), and a blood-sister to the G1 New Zealand Oaks winner Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel).
In recent years, Loveseat has produced a 2-year-old named Courting (Kermedec {NZ}), a yearling colt by Ghaiyyath (Ire), and she foaled an Anamore filly back in September.
Sale, Race 3, 2.05pm AEDT, Sale Water Specialists Maiden Plate, $55,000, 1732m
Mongolian Spring (NZ), 3-year-old gelding (Contributer (Ire) x Ostreidae (NZ) {Pierro})
The promising staying gelding Mongolian Spring (NZ) (Contrbuter (Ire) looks a good chance at Sale on Sunday over 1732 metres. The Danny O’Brien-trained gelding ran a very strong third on debut at Donald over 1350 metres, and the step up in trip looks ideal.
Mongolian Spring is out of the unplaced Pierro mare Ostreidae (Pierro), who is related to the Listed winners Eximius (Exceed And Excel) and Devan - Hostwin Achilles (Mac.) (Deep Field).
Mongolian Spring (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Further back in the extended family is the G1 Golden Slipper winner Mossfun (Mossman), and the Group 3 winning juvenile and young stallion Bodyguard.
Ostreidae in recent years has produced a 2-year-old colt by Contributer (Ire), a yearling filly by Armory (Ire), and she was most recently served by Ace High last spring.
Mongolian Spring was originally purchased by Lava Bloodstock for $65,000 from the Mapperley Stud draft at the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, before he was pin-hooked and sold for NZ$160,000 to Khan Altai Resource LLC at the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale.
Looking Back
Shiki (Too Darn Hot {GB}) - Sent out in front and tired late to finish fourth.
Unit Five (Supido) - Slick winner who heads to the Magic Millions raceday next.
Sylph (I Am Invincible) - Ran a highly credible second behind a fast one.
