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 promising 3-year-olds by Noverre (NZ) and Pinatubo (Ire) chase maiden success at Moe on Thursday afternoon.
Moe, Race 2, 2pm, AEST, Kiss Print Solutions Maiden Plate, $32,000, 2050m
Jean Georges (NZ), 3-year-old gelding (Noverre (NZ) x Bonneval (NZ) {Makfi {GB}})
The Chris Waller-trained promising stayer Jean Georges (NZ) (Noverre {NZ}) looks a good chance to salute stepping up to a middle distance for the first time at Moe on Thursday.
The 3-year-old son of Noverre (NZ) ran on strongly to finish second at Seymour at his last start over a mile behind Skua (Ghaiyyath {Ire}). He looks like he will enjoy the extra 450 metres, while no doubt improving again as he gets deeper into his preparation.
Noverre (NZ) | Standing at Waikato Stud
Jean Georges is out of the outstanding stayer Bonneval (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) who was successful in both the G1 New Zealand and Australian Oaks as a 3-year-old and then the G2 Feehan Stakes and G1 Underwood Stakes as a 4-year-old mare.
Bonneval is also well-related being a full-sister to two stakes winners and a half-sister to another three individual Group winners.
Bonneval in recent times has left a Super Seth 2-year-old filly named Bonte (NZ) and is due to foal to Super Seth again this spring.
Moe, Race 3, 2.30pm, AEST, Ian Grants Caravans 3YO Maiden Plate, $32,000, 1000m
Mr Natural, 3-year-old gelding (Pinatubo (Ire) x Angel Helena {More Than Ready {USA}})
The Lindsey Smith-trained Mr Natural (Pinatubo {Ire}) resumes at Moe on Thursday afternoon, he looked good on debut back in May when running second at Ballarat behind Angelic Rise (Harry Angel {Ire}).
Since then he has had a break and a couple of jump-outs to prepare himself for his resuming run in the hands of Jamie Mott.
Mr Natural is the first foal out of the dual-winning More Than Ready (USA) mare Angel Helena. Mr Natural’s grandam is the talented Fastnet Rock mare Planet Rock, she won the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas among her five wins.
Mr Natural | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
This is also the extended family of the Group 3 winner Ringo (NZ) (Fastnet Rock) and dual Listed winner and Group 1-placed stallion Gorky Park (NZ).
Angel Helena in recent times has left a 2-year-old filly by Pierro, a yearling filly by Pinatubo (Ire) and is due to foal to Harry Angel (Ire) next month.
Mr Natural was purchased for $150,000 by Spicer Thoroughbreds from the Sledmere Stud draft at the 2025 MM Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Looking Back
Youmzaa (NZ) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) - Was scratched from her race at Geelong, she will keep for another day.
Movie Star (Maurice {Jpn}) - Ran a battling sixth at Warwick Farm.
Pin Up Sheila (Pinatubo {Ire}) - Was a touch unlucky running sixth at Warwick Farm, she didn't get the clearest of runs and should go close next time out.
