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 Satono Aladdin (Jpn) and Maurice (Jpn) chase maiden success at Terang and Swan Hill on Sunday.
Bet365 Terang, Race 1, 1pm AEDT, Christians Bus Co Maiden Plate, $42,500, 1000m
Blue Meteor (NZ), 2-year-old colt (Satono Aladdin (Jpn) x Viva La Blues {Guillotine {NZ}})
The Ciaron Maher-trained 2-year-old colt Blue Meteor (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) makes his debut at Terang on Sunday over 100 metres. He has shown good talent at the Cranbourne jump-outs winning his last two over 800 metres.
Blue Meteor (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Blue Meteor is the second foal out of Viva La Blues (Guillotine {NZ}), who was a winner over 1400 metres in New Zealand. This is the extended family of the Champion 3-year-old filly Shamrocker (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) who was a dual Group 1 winner and her Group 1 Auckland Cup winning half-sister Rock Diva (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn).
Viva La Blues, in recent times, has left a yearling filly named Satono Blues (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) and was served by Ace High last spring.
Blue Meteor was purchased for NZ$210,000 by RS Bloodstock, Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Catheryne Bruggeman from the Haunui Farm draft at the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock national Yearling Sale.
Bet365 Swan Hill, Race 4, 2.55pm AEDT, Foots Swan Hill Demolition Group Maiden Plate, $32,000, 1600m
Egyptian Thorn, 3-year-old gelding (Maurice (Jpn) x Arcadia Rose {Kheleyf {USA}})
The Lloyd Kennewell-trained Egyptian Thorn (Maurice {Jpn}) chases deserved maiden success at Swan Hill on Sunday over 1600 metres.
The consistent gelding has run two solid seconds at his two starts at Seymour and Kyneton, and the step up to 1600 metres looks ideal for him in this race. Where he has drawn the inside gate.
Egyptian Thorn as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Egyptian Thorn is out of the Listed winner Arcadia Rose (Kheleyf {USA}) and she is also very well-related being a half-sister to the three-time Group 1 winner Arcadia Queen (Pierro), the G2 West Australian Derby winner Arcadia Dream (Domesday) and the Group 3-winner Arcadia Prince (Pierro).
Arcadia Rose, in recent times, has produced a 2-year-old filly by So You Think (NZ), a yearling filly by Alabama Express, and was served by Sessions last spring.
Egyptian Thorn was purchased for $80,000 by Kennewell Racing and Group 1 Bloodstock (FBAA) from the Merricks Station draft at the 2024 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.
Looking Back:
Stitzer (NZ) (Maurice {Jpn}) - Ran a very good fourth in the Listed Fernhill Mile, he ran on strongly from last and is definitely one to watch over staying trips as a 3-year-old.
Reachin' Out (Stay Inside) - Disappointed running seventh at Randwick.
Ole Go (Ole Kirk) - Ran a brave second off a tough run at Morphettville.
