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 types by Snitzel and Royal Meeting (Ire) chase maiden success across Australia on Friday.
Southside Cranbourne, Race 5, 7pm AEDT, Hertz Mitcham 3YO Maiden Plate, $45,000, 1000m
Alcaraz, 3-year-old gelding (Snitzel x Serenada {Encosta De Lago})
The Mark Walker-trained Alcaraz (Snitzel) chases maiden success on debut at Cranbourne on Friday night over 1000 metres. He has looked handy enough at the trials and jump-outs and Rhys McLeod takes the ride.
The well-bred gelding is out of the four-time winner Serenada (Encosta De Lago), who has already left the G3 Canonbury Stakes winner McLaren (Exceed And Excel) and the seven-time winner and Group-placed Cao Cao - First Chief (Sing.) (Fatsnet Rock) among her four winners..
Snitzel | Image courtesy of Arrowfield Stud
Serenada is also a half-sister to the Group 2 winning sprinters First Command (Commands) and Oneworld (Danehill Dancer {Ire}).
Serenada, since producing Alcaraz, has left a 2-year-old colt named Ordeal (Dundeel {NZ}), a weanling filly by Russian Revolution, and was served by Bivouac last season.
Alcaraz was passed in short of his reserve at both the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling Sale and the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses In Training Sale.
Sportsbet-Ballarat, Race 1, 1pm AEDT, Sportsbet Up & Coming Stars Series Heat 7 Maiden Plate, $75,000, 1400m
Dama Royale, 3-year-old filly (Royal Meeting (Ire) x Otravez {Redoute’s Choice})
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Dama Royale (Royal Meeting {Ire}) looks a great chance to break her maiden status at Ballarat on Friday.
She has placed in all five of her starts and was last seen running a very good third on the Caulfield Heath at metropolitan level behind Ten Warriors (Saxon Warrior {Jpn})
Royal Meeting (Ire) | Standing at Lovatsville
Dama Royale is the last foal out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Otravez, who was a winner over 1500 metres. She has left eight winners including the multiple Group-placed three-time winner Red Fez (Red Ransom {USA}).
This is the family of the Group 1 winner and sire Shooting To Win, the very good sire Deep Field and the stakes winners Zaniah (Zoustar) and Listen Here (Elusive Quality {USA}).
Another couple of quality performers within the family are the Group 1 winner La Luna Rossa (Written Tycoon) and her Group-1 placed son Hidden Achievement (I Am Invincible).
Looking Back:
Super Choice (Extreme Choice) - Ran a solid enough fourth at Pakenham.
Fine Wine (Snitzel) - Disappointed running ninth at Gosford.
