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 exciting 3-year-old runners by Toronado (Ire) and Written Tycoon look to chase maiden status across Australasia on Thursday.
Sportsbet Sandown Lakeside, Race 2, 4.30pm AEDT, ive > 3Yo Maiden Plate, $55,000, 1000m
Vivarini, 3-year-old filly (Toronado (Ire) x Vivaro {Exceed And Excel})
The Lindsey Smith-trained Vivarini (Toronado {Ire}) lines up for her second start at Sandown on Thursday, after running a very good second on debut at Werribee.
Vivarini is the second foal out of Vivaro (Exceed And Excel) who was a two-time winner at 1000 metres. There are plenty of strong pedigree influences throughout the pedigree including Danehill (USA), Gone West (USA), Street Cry (Ire), Lonhro and Sadler’s Wells (USA).
Vivarini as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Sadly Vivaro died late in December, but after producing Vivarini she has produced a 2-year-old gelding named Anaconda Jones (Brazen Beau), and a yearling colt by Brazen Beau.
Vivarini was purchased for $95,000 from the 2024 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale by Lindsey Smith, Boomer Bloodstock (FBAA) and Swettenham Stud.
Tauranga, Race 3, 12.12pm AEDT (2.12pm local), Ray White Real Estate Maiden 3YO, $NZ25,000, 1300m
Battle Tycoon, 3-year-old colt (Written Tycoon x Bidding War {Snitzel})
Tauranga’s Thursday meeting will serve as the venue for the third start of Battle Tycoon (Written Tycoon). This promising colt is trained by the in-form Stephen Marsh.
Battle Tycoon ran a decent race on debut for a seventh placing at Ellerslie last June, and then ran a good third at Ruakaka three weeks later behind Boombox (Spirit Of Boom). Since then he has had a nice break and won a trial in sharp fashion at Avondale last month to prepare himself for his resuming run.
Battle Tycoon as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Battle Tycoon has a very strong female pedigree, he is the second foal of Bidding War (Snitzel) who was unraced on the track, but is a half-sister to Steps In Time (Danehill Dancer). She was a star on the track winning nine races with the best of them being the G1 Coolmore Classic.
There are plenty of talented gallopers further back in the pedigree including the Group 1 winners Vision And Power (NZ) (Carnegie {Ire}), Glamour Puss (NZ) (Tale Of The Cat {USA}) and Espiona (Extreme Choice).
Bidding War since producing Battle Tycoon, has left a 2-year-old filly by Written Tycoon named In Hope, a yearling colt by Diatonic (Jpn), a foal colt by Pierata, and was served by More Than Looks (USA) last spring.
Battle Tycoon was purchased for $500,000 by Bruce Perry Bloodstock (BAFNZ) from the draft of Yulong at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Looking Back
Our Huntress (NZ) (Ardrossan) - Ran a solid second at Warwick Farm, a winning turn is not far away.
Nandina (So You Think {NZ}) - Won very nicely at very big odds, while Mediterra (Snitzel) was scratched from the same race.
