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 types by Noverre (NZ) and Sword Of State chase maiden success across Australasia on Wednesday.
Hawera, Race 2, 11.57am AEDT (1.57pm local), Green Thumb Gardeners Maiden 3YO, NZ$18,500, 1200m
Noverre Belle (NZ), 3-year-old filly (Noverre (NZ) x Zaffire Bay (NZ) {Showcasing {GB}})
The Cody Cole-trained Noverre Belle (NZ) (Noverre {NZ}) chases maiden success at start number two at Hawera on Wednesday.
She ran a very nice second on debut at Rotorua when chasing home the very exciting Pilates (NZ) (Savabeel) at Rotorua and with natural improvement off that run, she looks very hard to beat in this race.
Noverre (NZ) | Standing at Waikato Stud
Noverre Belle is out of the placed Showcasing (GB) mare Zaffire Bay (NZ), who is a half-sister to the eight-time winner and Listed-placed Oscar Eight (NZ) - Mr Hanks (Sing) (Showcasing {GB}).
This is also the extended family of the G2 Light Fingers Stakes winner and three-time Group 1-placed Lady Mulan (NZ) (Bigstone {Ire}).
Zaffire Bay in recent times has left a 2-year-old filly by King Of Comedy (Ire) and was due to foal to El Roca this spring.
Bet365 Kyneton, Race 1, 12.55pm AEDT, Carlton Draught Maiden Plate, $42,500, 1103m
Lonnegan, 3-year-old colt (Sword Of State x Pazienza {Written Tycoon})
The Matt Laurie-trained Lonnegan (Sword Of State) chases maiden success at Kyneton on Wednesday. The 3-year-old colt ran a solid enough third on debut at Echuca last month.
Lonnegan is out of the dual winner Pazienza (Written Tycoon), who is a half-sister to the dual juvenile winner and Group-3 placed Folk Dress (Pierro).
Deeper in the family features the classy G1 Underwood Stakes winner Buckaroo (GB) (Fastnet Rock).
Lonnegan as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Pazienza in recent times has left a 2-year-old named Zanardi (NZ) (Spirit Of Boom) who was recently a smart winner on debut at Hastings and looks very exciting, a yearling filly by Sword Of State and she was due to foal to foal again to Sword Of State this spring.
Lonnegan was purchased for $375,000 by Matt Laurie Racing and ARJB Racing from the Cambridge Stud draft at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Looking Back
Amsterdam (Anamoe) - The occasion was all a bit much and he disappointed running fifth. He should improve with the experience.
War Banner (Snitzel) - Was a very soft winner by just under two lengths at Kembla Grange.
Xami (NZ) (Noverre {NZ}) - Ran a solid third on debut at Doomben, she looks to have plenty of scope.
