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 Sword Of State and Noverre (NZ) chase maiden success at Cranbourne on Friday evening.
Southside Cranbourne, Race 2, 6.45pm AEDT, Ladbrokes More on Tote Win Maiden Plate, $42,500, 1103m
Lonnegan, 3-year-old gelding (Sword Of State x Pazienza {Written Tycoon})
The Matt Laurie-trained Lonnegan (Sword Of State) chases maiden success at Cranbourne on Friday. The 3-year-old gelding ran a solid enough third on debut at Echuca last month and looks well placed in this event.
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.
Southside Cranbourne, Race 3, 7.15pm AEDT, RSL Poppy Appeal 3YO Maiden Plate, $45,000, 1400m
I’m A Believer (NZ), 3-year-old filly (Noverre (NZ) x Believe You Me (NZ) {Thorn Park})
The Danny O’Brien-trained I’m A Believer (NZ) (Noverre {NZ}) chases maiden success on debut at Cranbourne on Friday evening.
I’m A Believer has shown some talent at the jump-outs and trials and it would be no surprise if she shows some cheek over the 1400 metres first-up, but no doubt will appreciate some time and a potential step up in distance in the future.
Noverre (NZ) | Standing at Waikato Stud
I’m A Believer is the last foal out of the unraced Thorn Park mare Believe You Me (NZ), who has already left three winners.
Believe You Me is a three-quarter-sister to the Listed winner Alberton Park (NZ) (Thorn Park) and comes from the family of the Group 1 winning sire Wyndspelle (NZ), the dual Group winning juvenile Alberton Star (NZ) (Stylish Century) and the Group 3 winning 2-year-old Lady Alberton (NZ) (Golan {Ire}).
I’m A Believer was withdrawn from the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale and is now raced by her breeders Waikato Stud and Danny O’Brien.
Looking Back
Mark Him Down (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}) - Was a very impressive winner on debut at Taupo, he looks a promising gelding.
Sequinned (Pinatubo {Ire}) - Was beaten a nose at Group 3 level down the straight at Flemington.
