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 runners at Newcastle on Tuesday catch our eye, both seeking to break their maidens. A Home Affairs filly steps out for the second time, while a beautifully bred daughter of Ole Kirk bids to make her breakthrough.
Beaumont Newcastle, Race 1, 1:20pm AEST, Dailey Family Funerals Super Maiden Handicap, $60,000, 1250m
Private Liaison, 3-year-old filly (Home Affairs x Marianne (NZ) {Darci Brahma {NZ}})
Home Affairs will bid to continue the momentum on Tuesday with Private Liaison, a filly trained by Peter Snowden who will be looking to better the effort of her debut fifth at Canterbury earlier this month. She wasn't far off the mark on that occasion behind well-bred Wanda's Spark (Tagaloa) and Kerrin McEvoy makes the trip to Newcastle to steer her in the right direction.
Unsurprisingly for a daughter of Home Affairs, Private Liaison is well bred herself, being a half-sister to G2 Tulloch Stakes winner Yaletown (Vancouver) out of Listed winner and multiple Group performer Marianne (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}).
Private Liaison as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Marianne is a full sister to G1 Australasian Oaks second Our Miss Jones (NZ) and a half to stakes-performed Prairie Star (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}), granddam of Prairie Flower (Star Turn), whose eight wins are highlighted by the Listed Durbridge Stakes.
Mick Malone Bloodstock paid $130,000 for Marianne's Justify (USA) filly at this year's Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. The year before, it was Snowden Racing signing the docket at the same venue for Private Liaison, where she was offered by Coolmore Stud, to the tune of $300,000.
Beaumont Newcastle, Race 2, 1:55pm AEST, TAB Midway Maiden Plate, $45,000, 1350m
Viva Viva, 4-year-old mare (Ole Kirk x Alecia Beth {Street Cry {Ire}})
The bright chestnut Viva Viva has taken some maturing, but is ready to put it all together at start number eight when stepping out on Tuesday. The daughter of Ole Kirk is trained by Amanda Turner and has gotten close in her last two starts, finishing third and fourth respectively. The 1150 metres was too sharp for her last time out, so she steps up in trip for her second run of the preparation.
Viva Viva is the fifth to run for winning Street Cry (Ire) mare Alecia Beth, who has already produced four multiple winners. Alecia Beth is a daughter of multiple Group performer Sharp Aunty (Flying Spur), who is herself the daughter of Listed-winning juvenile True Blonde (Naturalism).
Viva Viva as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
True Blonde has been both a fantastic producer and comes from one of Australia's most potent families, meaning Viva Viva has plenty of appeal in the breeding barn later in life.
A half-sister to Snippets and Singles Bar (Rory's Jester), True Blonde's daughters and granddaughters have produced the likes of G1 Golden Slipper Stakes victress Forensics (Flying Spur), seven-figure earner and multiple stakes winner Arabian Summer (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Kiwi sire Derryn, and G3 David Coles AM Stakes winner Heuristic (Street Boss {USA}).
Alecia Beth has retired, with her last foal being an unnamed 3-year-old by King's Legacy. Amanda Turner purchased Viva Viva from Torryburn Stud for $90,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
Looking Back
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Jourama (Frosted {USA}) - Finished off well to run fifth at Wangaratta.
Peace Bird (Hellbent) - A stylish winner at Goulburn to make it three wins from her last three runs.
