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.
Three promising 3-year-olds by Ghaiyyath (Ire), Hanseatic and Turn Me Loose (NZ) chase success across Australia on Thursday.
Southside-Pakenham, Race 5, 7.15pm AEDT, Shanks Electrical Maiden Plate, $45,000, 2000m
Cushioned, 3-year-old filly (Ghaiyyath (Ire) x Loveseat (NZ) {Savabeel})
The exciting Cushioned (Ghaiyyath (Ire) looks a good chance at Pakenham on Thursday over 2000 metres for owners and breeder Godolphin..
The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained filly ran two placings in her first preparation, and has ran well twice this preparation with an eye towards a suitable middle-distance assignment, which she now gets.
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 weanling filly by Anamoe, and was served by Native Trail (GB) last spring.
Southside-Pakenham, Race 6, 7.45pm AEDT, Ultrasigns Class 1 Handicap, $40,000, 1200m
Humble Trader, 3-year-old gelding (Hanseatic x No Vanity {Keep The Faith})
The Greg Eurell-trained Humble Trader (Hanseatic) resumes on Thursday at Pakenham and looks very hard to beat in Class 1 Handicap company.
He made quite an impact winning on debut at Sandown last August and then ran a solid fourth up in grade at his next start. After having a good break he has prepared for this resuming assignment with a couple of nice quiet jump-outs at Cranbourne.
Humble Trader as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Humble Trader is from the first crop of Hanseatic, and is the eighth and last foal, and seventh winner for No Vanity (Keep The Faith), who was a three-time winning sprinter and multiple metropolitan placed in Melbourne.
Among her seven winners are Clarice Cliffs (Canford Cliffs {Ire}), who was a four-time winner and placed in the G3 Frances Tressady Stakes. Humble Trader's grandam is No Mischief (Mister C {USA}), who counted the Listed Vanity Stakes amongst her five wins.
Humble Trader was purchased by Greg Eurell for $60,000 from the Bucklee Farm draft at the 2024 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
Gosford, Race 4, 2.40pm AEDT, Central Coast MG Super Maiden Plate, $60,000, 1100m
Fernweh (NZ), 3-year-old gelding (Turn Me Loose (NZ) x Harlow (NZ) {Proisir})
The promising 3-year-old gelding Fernweh (NZ) (Turn Me Loose {NZ}) looks a good chance to break through for his maiden victory at Gosford on Thursday
The Joseph Pride-trained galloper has ran a couple of good placings in his career so far at Warwick Farm, and after a nice little break and a couple of trials he looks ready to go in a fresh state.
Turn Me Loose (NZ) | Standing at Windsor Park
Fernweh is the first foal out of Harlow (NZ) (Proisir), she was a winner as a juvenile at Te Rapa. She comes from a family that lacks a bit of black type close up, but Fernweh’s third dam Joan's Best (Gold Brose) was a classy five-time winner who was successful at Listed level in the South Island of New Zealand three times.
It is also the extended family of the G1 Western Australian Derby winner Markus Maximus (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) and the Group 3 winning stayer Nanjara (NZ) (Kilimanjaro {GB}).
Fernweh was purchased for NZ$50,000 by Leighton Howl from the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka National Yearling Sale Book 2 out of the Highview Stud draft.
Looking Back:
Extremely Tempted (Extreme Choice) - Was a very impressive winner on debut at Hawkesbury. He is one to watch into the future.
Lafite (Zoustar) - Was scratched from his race at Hawkesbury.
Sword Of Legacy (Too Darn Hot {GB}) - Ran a solid second at Eagle Farm, she should pick up a maiden pretty soon.
