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.
On Friday, a filly in the Emirates Park silks will bid to break her maiden at Gosford, and a gelding in the Finemore Thoroughbreds colours will step out for the first time. Down at Geelong, a mare owned by Edge Thoroughbreds will try to go one better than her debut at Moe earlier in the month.
Gosford, Race 3, 2pm AEST, Central Coast Granite F&M Maiden Plate, $42,000, 1100m
Esnaad, 3-year-old filly (Tassort x Enthaar {Written Tycoon})
Michael Freedman has had a long association and a lot of success with the Emirates Park silks, and he sends out another promising young filly in the green and white colours on Friday with Esnaad (Tassort), who heads to Gosford at her second start. She was third on debut at Newcastle in a $60,000 Super Maiden earlier in the month and retains the ride of Tommy Berry for her second effort.
Retained to race for her breeders, Esnaad will be a precious one to the Emirats operation, being the only foal out of dual Group 3-winning juvenile Enthaar (Written Tycoon), who sadly passed away in early 2025.
Tassort | Standing at Newgate Farm
Emirates still have Enthaar's winning dam Final Agreement (Not A Single Doubt), a full sister to the multiple Group-winning Secret Agenda, who passed away in 2024, and Group 1-performed Tutta La Vita (The Autumn Sun). Secret Agenda's legacy continues with Hidden Motive (Capitalist), winner of last year's G2 Roman Consul Stakes, and her final foal by Zoustar made $400,000 at this year's Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
Esnaad's third dam Negotiate (Red Ransom {USA}), herself the daughter of G1 Champagne Stakes winner Euphoria (Marauding {NZ}), was retired earlier this year. Final Agreement was covered by Brave Smash (Jpn) last September.
Gosford, Race 4, 2:35pm AEST, NCIS Sydney 4YO&Up Maiden Plate, $42,000, 1200m
Stratford (NZ), 4-year-old gelding (Super Seth x Suavito {NZ} {Thorn Park})
The John O'Shea and Tom Charlton-trained Stratford (NZ) (Super Seth) has been given the time to mature into himself and is ready to debut at Gosford on Friday. His pedigree suggests he might appreciate a little further than the 1200 metres, but it is a good kicking off point and he gets the services of young gun Zac Lloyd to get him to the line.
Stratford (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy New Zealand Bloodstock
Stratford has a bit to live up to, being a full brother to G3 Bone Crusher Stakes and Listed Uncle Remus Stakes winner Sethito (NZ), and being out of versatile dual Group 1 winner Suavito (NZ) (Thorn Park). While her Group 1s - the G1 CF Orr Stakes and the G1 Futurity Stakes, Suavito won at Group level five times out to 2000 metres.
Suavito is a half-sister to Group 3 winner and Group 1 performer Sultan Of Swing (NZ) (Bachelor Duke {USA}) and Group performer Chilly Cha Cha (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}). Another one of her half-sisters has produced three-time Group winner Diss Is Dramatic (NZ) (Dissident).
Suavito delivered another Super Seth colt last spring and understandably returned to the stallion, who now stands at Coolmore Stud, the same season.
John O'Shea Racing and James Bester Bloodstock purchased Stratford for NZ$375,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale from Waikato Stud.
Ladbrokes Geelong, Race 4, 2:10pm AEST, Prestige Jayco Maiden Plate, $42,500, 1347m
Zendarina, 4-year-old mare (Trapeze Artist x Zabelarina {Bel Esprit})
Down at Geelong, Phillip and Tommy Stokes will send out 4-year-old Zendarina (Trapeze Artist) to break her maiden at start number two, after running home well to finish second on a Heavy 10 track at Moe. A better track and an extra 147 metres will give her the room to open up her stride and hopefully get the chocolates second time out.
Zendarina as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Zendarina is the first foal out of five-time metropolitan winner Zabelarina (Bel Esprit), a half to Listed-winning No Restriction (Unencumbered) from the female line of Might And Power (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).
Might And Power's dam Benediction (Ire) (Day Is Done {Ire}) - this family's taproot - has been an influential feature internationally in the pedigrees of G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches winner Beauty Parlour (GB) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), G1 Keeneland First Lady Stakes winner Blowout (GB) (Dansili {GB}), Champion Filly and Group producer Mosheen (Fastnet Rock), G1 Hong Kong Mile winner Lucky Owners (NZ), and dual Group 1 winner Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh).
Zabelarina visited Sweet Ride in 2025 and is due to foal to him any day.
Zendarina was a $16,000 purchase at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale for B Nelson, from the draft of Widden Stud.
Looking Back
Keen Observer (Ole Kirk) - Picked up his third second placing in a row at Seymour when beaten by the eye-catching Autumn In Grinzing (The Autumn Sun).
Rock Catcher (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {JPN}) - Was never in contention at Seymour and finished eighth.
