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.
Three exciting types by Ace High, Frankel (GB) and Circus Maximus (Ire) chase success across Australasia on Saturday.
Sportsbet Sandown Hillside, Race 6, 3pm, AEST, McMahons Dairy Listed McKenzie Stakes, $175,000, 1300m
Blind Raise (NZ), 3-year-old gelding (Ace High x Away Cruising {Darci Brahma {NZ}})
The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Blind Raise (NZ) (Ace High) resumes in Listed grade at Sandown on Saturday on the back of a sharp jump-out win at Cranbourne a few weeks ago.
Blind Raise was a dual winner as a 2-year-old, including at Listed level at Flemington in the Anzac Day Stakes, he was last seen running ninth in the G2 Sires Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm.
Blind Raise as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Blind Raise is by Ace High and is the second foal out of the placed Darci Brahma (NZ) mare Away Cruising, who has also left the eight-time Phillipines winner Usir (NZ) (American Pharoah {USA}).
Blind Raise’s grandam was the Champion mare Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross {Ire}) who was the New Zealand Horse of the Year in the 2007/2008 season and she won seven Group 1 races.
This is also the extended family of the Group 1 winner Keepa Cruisin (NZ) (Keeper) and Coolmore Stud’s Group 2 winning young stallion Storm Boy.
Away Cruising, in recent times, has left a 2-year-old colt by Ace High, a yearling colt by Almanzor (Fr), and is due to foal to Almanzor again this spring.
Blind Raise was purchased for NZ$70,000 by Busuttin Young Racing from The Oaks Stud draft at the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale.
Hawkesbury, Race 6, 3.39pm, AEST, Good Az Gold 3YO F&M Maiden Plate, $42,000, 1400m
Satin Serenade, 3-year-old filly (Frankel (GB) x Satin Ribbons {Capitalist})
The very promising Chris Waller-trained Satin Serenade (Frankel {GB}) lines up at Hawkesbury on Saturday chasing maiden success at start number three over 1400 metres in the hands of Rory Hutchings.
She has ran two solid seconds at both of her two career starts so far, and while she may appreciate a little further in time, she looks a good chance in a competitive affair.
Frankel (GB) | Standing at Darley
Satin Serenade was bred and raced by Mrs Belinda Bateman. She is by Frankel (GB) and is the first foal out of the three-time winner Satin Ribbons (Capitalist).
Satin Ribbons is a half-sister to the Listed winner Satin Slipper (Pierro), who is the dam of the Listed winner and G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes-placed I Am Unstoppable. Her grandam Satin Shoes (Flying Spur) was classy winning the G2 Silver Slipper Stakes and another two Listed events.
Satin Ribbons in recent times has left an Extreme Choice 2-year-old filly and is due to foal to Home Affairs any day now.
New Plymouth, Race 2, 10.50am AEST (12.50pm local), James Hardie Maiden, $NZ25,000, 1400m
Performer (NZ), 4-year-old gelding (Circus Maximus (Ire) x Not A Dancer {Not A Single Doubt})
The Robbie Patterson-trained Performer (NZ) (Circus Maximus {Ire}) looks a great chance to break through at start number three at New Plymouth. The Circus Maximus (Ire) gelding has ran second at both of his career starts and looks very hard to beat in the hands of apprentice jockey Tom Wigram.
Circus Maximus (Ire) | Standing at Windsor Park Stud
Performer is out of the seven-time winner Not A Dancer (Not A Single Doubt), who has already left the Group 3-winner There You Go (NZ) (Niagara) and comes from the family of the Listed winners Feltre (Show A Heart) and Jet Style (Tycoon Ruler).
Not A Dancer in recent times has left a 3-year-old gelding named Bang (NZ) (Circus Maximus), a yearling colt by Sword Of State and is due to foal to Sword Of State again this spring.
Performer was passed in short of his NZ$55,0000 reserve at the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale.
Looking Back
Passio (Too Darn Hot {GB}) - Ran a brave second at Mornington, a win is getting close.
Hierarchy (Dubawi {Ire}) - Ran a promising third on debut at Mornington.
