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 lovely types by Frosted (USA) and Hellbent chase success across Australia on Sunday.
Sportsbet Wangaratta, Race 4, 2.45pm AEST, Afonso Building Solutions Maiden Plate, $32,000, 1170m
Jourama, 3-year-old gelding (Frosted (USA) x Spring Waterfall (Ire) {Exceed And Excel})
The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained 3-year-old Jourama (Frosted {USA}) chases maiden success at start number four on Sunday at Wangaratta.
He ran a very nice race for second on debut at Newcastle behind She’s Extra (Exceedance) back in February and then ran a strong fourth in the $1 million Vobis Showdown in March behind Big Wigs (Gold Standard) at Caulfield.
He resumed with a solid enough fifth at Bairnsdale resuming and should have taken good improvement from that effort.
Jourama is the fourth foal out of Spring Waterfall (Ire) (Exceed And Excel), she was a winner in France and is a half-sister to the Champion filly Miss Finland (Redoute’s Choice).
It is a very strong family, with another Group 1 winner featuring in Miss Finland’s daughter Stay With Me (Street Cry {Ire}).
In recent years, Spring Waterfall has produced an Earthlight (Ire) yearling filly, and was due to foal to Victor Ludorum (GB) this month.
Goulburn, Race 3, 1.55pm, AEST, Jewell Builders Guy Walter - F&M Class 3 Handicap, $50,000, 1300m
Peace Bird, 4-year-old mare (Hellbent x Dove Lake {Flying Spur})
The consistent Peace Bird (Hellbent) has come of age in recent times for trainer Ciaron Maher. The Cressfield-owned filly took until her eighth start to break her maiden but has now gone back-to-back and is a chance of making it a three-peat at a track she has had success at.
The Hellbent filly has a beautiful pedigree, she is out of Dove Lake (Flying Spur) who was a metropolitan 2-year-old winner in Sydney. She has left five individual winners including the six-time winner Lighthorse Lad (I Am Invincible).
Dove Lake is a half sister to Headwater, who is a stallion at Vinery Stud. He was the winner of the G2 Silver Slipper Stakes, Listed Kensington Stakes, and also ran fourth in the G1 Moir Stakes.
Other top-class performers in the family include the the Group 1 winner and young sire Captivant, the Group 2 winner First Command (Commands), The Hong Kong Group 2 winner Oneworld (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), and the G1 New Zealand Derby winner Crown Prosecutor (Medaglia D’Oro {USA}).
Dove Lake in recent years, has left a Hellbent 2-year-old full sister to Peace Bird named Laughing Dove, before she sadly died late last year.
Peace Bird was passed in short of her $100,000 reserve when presented by Cressfield at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Looking Back
Coniston (NZ) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) - Ran an honest seventh on debut at Te Rapa, beaten less than two lengths after making a wide run.
Vallice (Maurice {Jpn}) - Ran a battling fourth at Sandown after not appearing to enjoy the conditions.
Endeavour (Home Affairs) - Ran a disappointing sixth at Newcastle.
