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 well-bred 3-year-olds by The Autumn Sun and Ghaiyyath (Ire) chase maiden success on Friday across Australia.
Scone, Race 2, 2.10pm AEDT, Coolmore Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Showcase Handicap, $35,000, 1400m
Olympian, 3-year-old gelding (The Autumn Sun x You’re So Good (NZ) {Savabeel})
The Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich-trained Olympian (The Autumn Sun) makes his third start at Scone on Friday over 1400 metres, and he is chasing his second win after scoring impressively last time out.
Olympian as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Olympian is the fifth live-foal out of the Listed winning and Group 1-placed Savabeel mare You’re So Good (NZ).
She has a strong pedigree and some of the Group winners on her page include the dual Group 1 winner Melito (Redoute’s Choice) and the dual Group 3 winner and sire Pariah.
In recent years, You’re So Good, has left a 2-year-old colt named Savvy Prince (Palace Pier {GB}), a yearling filly by Hitotsu, and was served by Vandeek (GB) last spring.
Sportsbet-Ballarat, Race 2, 2pm AEDT, Manhari Maiden Plate, $32,000, 1600m
Cushioned, 3-year-old filly (Ghaiyyath (Ire) x Loveseat (NZ) {Savabeel})
The exciting Cushioned (Ghaiyyath (Ire) looks very hard to beat at Ballarat on Friday over 1600 metres for owners and breeder Godolphin..
The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained filly ran two placings in her first preparation, and resumed with a sound sixth at Sandown late last month over 1500 metres, where she made good ground late.
Ghaiyyath (Ire) | Standing at Darley
Cushioned 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 filly foal by Anamoe, and was served by Native Trail (GB) last spring.
Looking Back:
Satoshi (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Lafite (Zoustar) - Unfortunately both didn't get to show what they had to offer, with Gosford being abandoned.
