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 well-bred 3-year-olds chase maiden success at Mornington on Tuesday. One is out of a Group 1 winner and the other is o ut of a mare who is a half-sister to a G1 Hong Kong Sprint winner.
Mornington, Race 1, 1.30pm AEDT, Sportsbet Race Previews Maiden Plate, $32,000, 2430m
Sentaloa, 3-year-old gelding (Tagaloa x Miss Sentimental (NZ) {Reliable Man {GB}})
The Matt Laurie-trained 3-year-old Sentaloa (Tagloa) looks very hard to beat on his home track on Tuesday over the 2430 metres, which he should enjoy.
The Tagaloa gelding has placed in all of his four career starts, including a strong second at Yarra Valley last time out where he made a long searching run over 1968 metres.
Sentaloa as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Sentaloa is out of the G1 New Zealand Oaks and Listed Wanganui Cup winner Miss Sentimental (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}). She comes from the strong extended family of the three-time Group 1 winner and sire Dracula and the G1 Spring Champion Stakes winner and stallion Complacent (Authorized {Ire}).
Miss Sentimental in recent times has produced a yearling filly by Panthalassa (Jpn) and foaled a filly by Growing Empire in early September.
Sentaloa was purchased by Carringbush Park Pty Ltd for NZ$275,000 from the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale.
Mornington, Race 2, 2pm AEDT, Barmah Park Restaurant & Cellar Door 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate, $32,000, 1000m
Hot Samba, 3-year-old filly (Too Darn Hot (GB) x Jolie Christine {Pride Of Dubai})
The Grahame Begg-trained Hot Samba (Too Darn Hot {GB}) makes her debut at Mornington on Tuesday in the hands of Jordan Childs.
She has looked good at the Cranbourne jump-outs in recent times, running second in three of them over the last couple of months, and she looks well-educated ahead of her debut.
Too Darn Hot (GB) | Standing at Darley Stud
Hot Samba is out of the placed Pride Of Dubai mare Jolie Christine, who is a half-sister to the G1 Hong Kong Sprint winner Sky Field (Deep Field). This is also the extended family of the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas winner Chambord (NZ) (Savabeel) and of the dual Group 1 winner Think About It (So You Think {NZ}).
Jolie Christine in recent times has produced a 2-year-old colt by Capitalist named Kandersteg and foaled a Traffic Warden colt in August.
Looking Back
Sunday 8/11/26
Choosin Texas (NZ) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) - Ran a brave third on debut at Tauherenikau, she was caught wide, but didn't shirk her task and battled on well for a placing.
Vulcana (Alabama Express) - Ran a solid second at Ararat, a win is getting close.
