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 runners by Home Affairs and Spirit Of Boom chase maiden success across Australia on Thursday.
Bet365 Seymour, Race 1, 1.30pm AEDT, Seymour Toyota 2YO Maiden Plate, $42,500, 1100m
Jacaranda, 2-year-old filly (Home Affairs x Gracie’s Lass {Redoute’s Choice})
The very well-bred Jacaranda (Home Affairs) makes her debut on Thursday at Seymour for trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes.
She has looked smart at the Flemington jump-outs, winning once and placing second another two times. On that jump-out form she looks a good chance on debut in the hands of jockey Michael Dee.
Jacaranda is out of Gracie’s Lass (Redoute’s Choice), making her a half-sister to the G1 Canterbury Stakes and G1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Artorius, now a young stallion standing at Newgate Farm. Artorius also finished in the top four in another seven Group 1 races, including twice at Royal Ascot. Another half-sibling is the Group 3 winning colt Sixties (Flying Artie).
Jacaranda as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Delectation (Shamardal {USA}) is another family member, and he counted the G1 Darley Classic, and the G2 Royal Sovereign Stakes among his five wins.
In recent years, Gracie’s Lass (More Than Ready {USA}) has produced a yearling colt by Pinatubo (Ire), a colt foal by Pierata, and was served by Toronado (Ire) last spring.
Jacaranda was purchased by Tom Magnier for $300,000 from the Vinery Stud draft at the 2025 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Ipswich, Race 1, 3.12pm AEDT (2.12pm local), TAB Maiden Handicap, $30,000, 1100m
Boom Break, 4-year-old gelding (Spirit Of Boom x Super Swell {Danbird})
The consistent Tony Gollan-trained Boom Break (Spirit Of Boom) chases maiden success at his second attempt as a 4-year-old at Ipswich on Thursday, after running a great race for second on the same track resuming over the same distance.
The Spirit Of Boom gelding has been very consistent throughout his career, running in the top four of all five of his starts. So he very much deserves a winning turn.
Boom Break as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Boom Break is out of the three-time winner Super Swell (Danbird), who has left five winners, but importantly is a half-sister to the very talented Bel Mer (Bel Esprit), who was a Group 1 winner and has gone on to leave 10 individual winners, including two at stakes level.
In recent years, Super Swell has left a 3-year-old filly who has been a winner at Townsville named Spirit Of Bluey (Spirit Of Boom), and a colt foal by Extreme Warrior in September this spring.
Gollan Racing and John Foote Bloodstock purchased Boom Break for $250,000 from the Bell River Thoroughbreds draft at the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Looking Back
Farfetched (Farnan) - Ran a very nice second on debut on the Kensington, she showed good natural speed and toughness, so could be one to follow.
Gorgeous (So You Think {NZ}) - Was a very brave winner on debut on the Kensington, she did it the tough way and never shirked her task.
Sussex Dancer (Hellbent) - Was an impressive winner at Geelong, as she gained deserved maiden success.
