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 fillies by Noverre (NZ) and Snitzel chase maiden success across Australia on Friday.
Southside Pakenham, Race 1, 4.45pm AEST, Ladbrokes Owners Promotion Maiden Plate, $45,000, 1200m
Sparkle Time (NZ), 2-year-old filly (Noverre (NZ) x Shanina {Testa Rossa})
The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained Sparkle Time (NZ) (Noverre {NZ}) chases maiden success on debut at Pakenham on Friday. She has had two jump-outs at Pakenham where she has ran fourth both times, and she attempts to become the first winner for her Waikato Stud-based sire Noverre (NZ).
Sparkle Time (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Sparkle Time is out of the five-time winner Shanina (Testa Rossa), she has left three winners with the best of them being the Group 2 and dual Group 3 winner Coeur Volante (NZ) (Proisir), as well as the winner and Listed-placed Hasstobemagic (NZ) (Scissor Kick).
This is also the extended family of the exciting dual Group 3 winner Matias (Snitzel) and the Listed winner Rose Of Peace (Hussonet {USA}).
Shanina since producing Sparkle Time, has left a weanling filly by Proisir and was served by Little Brose last spring.
Sparkle Time was purchased for NZ$320,000 by Lindsay Park Racing and Dean Hawthorne Bloodstock (BAFNZ) from the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale.
Scone, Race 1, 12.20pm AEST, Kia Ora Country Boosted Maiden Plate, $35,000, 1000m
Flirtation, 3-year-old filly (Snitzel x Secluded {Hussonet {USA}})
The beautifully-bred Flirtation (Snitzel) makes her debut at Scone on Friday for trainers Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich and jockey Aaron Bullock.
Going by her trial win at Muswellbrook on May 6 when winning in stylish fashion, and the way the stable target their local racing carnival, it would be no surprise to see this filly score on debut.
Snitzel | Image courtesy of Arrowfield
Flirtation is out of the three-time winner Secluded (Hussonet {USA}), she has been a solid broodmare leaving three winners from three to race including the dual Group 3 winner and sire Pariah.
Secluded is also well-bred being a half-sister to the dual Group 1 winner Melito (Redoute's Choice) and the Listed-placed Across The Moon (Stratum).
Secluded, in recent times, has unfortunately not produced a live-foal since leaving Flirtation, but she was served by The Autumn Sun last spring.
Looking Back:
Both Slander (Portland Sky) and Our Huntress (NZ) (Ardrossan) ran solid seconds at Hawkesbury, both were good runs.
