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.
Geelong is the venue on Friday for promising types by Astern and Snitzel to chase maiden success.
Ladbrokes Geelong, Race 2, 1.30pm AEST, The Viatek and FujiFilm Cup Maiden Plate, $42,500, 1425m
Talkin’ Stern, 4-year-old gelding (Astern x Linguist {Helmet})
The Gavin Bedggood-trained Talkin’ Stern (Astern) looks a great chance of claiming his maiden win at Geelong on Friday. He has run four solid races in his career so far where he has failed to finish further back than fourth, so he is deserving of maiden success.
The Astern gelding is out of the four-time winner Linguist (Helmet), Linguist herself is out of the smart mare Vocabulary (Encosta De Lago), she won the G2 Carlyon Stakes and the G3 Rose Of Kingston Stakes, as well as placing twice at Group 1 level.
Astern | Standing at Darley
This is also the family of the Listed Birthday Cup winner Declares War (Declaration Of War {USA}), who won eight races in total and just under $540,000 in prize money.
Linguist, in recent years, has produced a 3-year-old colt by All Too Hard named Ciphered which was sadly her last foal before she died earlier this year.
Talkin’ Stern was purchased for a modest $4000 by R Mcintosh via the 2023 Inglis Digital July Sale after being withdrawn from the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale.
Ladbrokes Geelong, Race 3, 2pm AEST, Oasis Turf 3YO Maiden Plate, $42,500, 1225m
Avengers, 3-year-old colt (Snitzel x Dream State {Starcraft {NZ})
The well-bred Avengers (Sniztel) looks a good each-way chance at Geelong on Friday. He has looked handy at the trials but has disappointed slightly in his two race appearances for trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman. It would be no surprise to see him improve and feature at reasonable odds.
Avengers is out of the placed Starcraft (NZ) mare Dream State, who is very well-related being a half-sister to Not A Single Doubt, and from the family of other stallions Zizou and King’s Legacy.
Avengers as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Other Group 1 winners that feature within the page are the smart filly Oohood (I Am Invincible) and the three-time Group 1 winner and successful stallion Snippets.
Dream Date, in recent times has left a 2-year-old colt by Dundeel (NZ) named Castles In Spain, a yearling foal by Maurice (Jpn), and is due to foal to Castelvecchio in October.
Avengers cost China Horse Club, Newgate Bloodstock, and Kia Ora Stud a clean $1 million from the Arrowfield Stud draft at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Looking Back
Tacitly (Wootton Bassett {GB}) - Ran a solid enough second at Newcastle, it was another honest effort.
Avon Calling (Farnan) - Was disappointing at Newcastle running fourth after appearing to have her chance.
