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.
Runners by Ghaiyyath (Ire), Farnan and Sword Of State chase success across Australia on Saturday.
Royal Randwick, Race 1, 12.35pm AEDT, Kia Ora Yearlings @ MMGC Plate, $160,000, 1000m
Knightsbridge, 2-year-old colt (Farnan x Festivity {Nicconi})
The exciting Knightsbridge (Farnan) makes his second start at Randwick on Saturday over 1000 metres. He ran a very good fifth at Flemington in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes back in October behind Eurocano (Per Incanto {USA}), and after a quick break and a couple of trials, he looks ready to fire in a fresh state.
The son of Farnan is the fifth foal of Festivity (Nicconi), who was a three-time winner on the track, who has since thrived as a broodmare leaving three winners including Semana (Winning Rupert) who has won at Group 3 and R. Listed level as well as placing at Group 1 level three times, and Gala Queen (Deep Field) who has been a Listed winner in South Australia.
Knightsbridge as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Festivity is also a half sister to Merriest (Denman), who was a five-time winner, including at Listed level in the Atlantic Jewel Stakes at Moonee Valley.
Since producing Knightsbridge, Festivity has produced a Farnan yearling colt, and foaled an I Am Invincible colt in October.
Knightsbridge was purchased for $750,000 by James Harron Bloodstock and Tony Fung Colts from the Lime Country draft at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Kembla Grange, Race 3, 3.15pm AEDT, Poseidon Animal Health Super Maiden Plate, $60,000, 1600m
Contemplates, 3-year-old filly (Ghaiyyath (Ire) x Entertains {Street Cry {Ire}})
The promising Chris Waller-trained Contemplates (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) chases maiden success second-up at Kembla Grange on Saturday over 1600 metres.
She ran two great races in her last preparation at Wyong and Gosford for her old trainer James Cummings, and while she disappointed resuming for trainer Chris Waller, it would be no surprise to see her bounce back to form in this race.
Ghaiyyath | Standing at Darley
Contemplates is out of Entertains (Street Cry {Ire}), who was a three-time winner on the track and was Group 3 placed on the track. She has left three winners including Egot (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) who has been a dual Group 3 winner, and a three-time Listed winner in France.
Contemplates grandam is the Champion 3-year-old filly Serenade Rose (Stravinsky {USA}) who won both the G1 Victorian Oaks and the G1 Australian Oaks.
In recent years, Entertains has left a 2-year-old named Shadow Play (Palace Pier {GB}), foaled a Ghaiyyath (Ire) colt in September, and was subsequently served by Native Trail (GB).
Eagle Farm, Race 3, 2.28pm AEDT (1.28pm local), Jacquinot First Yearlings @ Magic Millions QTIS 2YO Handicap, $105,000, 1200m
Warwoven, 2-year-old colt (Sword Of State x Needle And Thread {Makfi {GB}})
The Bjorn Baker-trained Warwoven (Sword Of State) chases his second win at Eagle Farm on Saturday. He was a very impressive winner at Randwick on debut last month, and he looks very hard to beat in this 2-year-old event.
Warwoven is the first foal out of the Group 2 winning mare Needle And Thread (Makfi {GB}), Needle And Thread is also a half sister to the Listed winner and multiple Group 1 placed stallion Savile Row (NZ).
Warwoven as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Another member of this very strong family is the dual Group 1 winner and stallion The Gurkha (Ire), and the Group 1 placed Arrogant (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}).
Needle And Thread, in recent years has produced a Farnan yearling colt who is entered as Lot 671 at this year’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, a Farnan filly foal and was served again by the G1 Golden Slipper winning son of Not A Single Doubt in November.
Warwoven was purchased by Ridgmont, Bjorn Baker Racing, S & J Gosling and Clarke Bloodstock Pty Ltd (FBAA) for $380,000 from the Kia Ora Stud draft at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Looking Back
Fannoir (Lonhro) - disappointing when fading to last.
Warm Front (Too Darn Hot {GB}) - ran home well for second, just beaten by a nippier horse.
