Looking Ahead puts the spotlight on runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are a particularly well-bred or high-priced runner having their first or second start, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.
On Wednesday, we concentrate our efforts on Canterbury Park where we have found a pair of well-related 2-year-olds to follow and a daughter of a Group 1 winner who is returning from a spell.
Canterbury Park Race 1, 12.50pm, ANZ Bloodstock News Plate, $50,000, 1100m
Papal Warrior (Fastnet Rock) has a strong pedigree to call on as he’s a son of Cloud Song (Encosta de Lago), who is a half-sister to the Group 3 winners Tulip (Pierro) and Sacred Eye (High Chaparral {Ire}) with their dam Musidora (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) also successful to that level. The family also includes the G1 Myer Classic winner I Am A Star (I Am Invincible) and champion sires Encosta de Lago and Flying Spur.
Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, Papal Warrior was spelled after a debut third on this course earlier this year and is unbeaten in two trial outings at Rosehill ahead of his return. Tommy Berry rode the colt in his most recent appearance and will be aboard again.
Canterbury Park Race 2, 1.25pm, Australian Turf Club Plate, $50,000, 1100m
Trainer Brad Widdup has taken a patient approach with Darling Point (Lonhro) and she has turned in a couple of encouraging trial performances in recent times. She won at Hawkesbury in May and followed up earlier this month with a runner-up finish at Rosehill.
Darling Point’s dam Empress Rock (Fastnet Rock) was a talented race mare who won the G2 Kewney S. and the G2 Moonee Valley Fillies’ Classic. Her dam Empress Jade (Encosta de Lago) is a half-sister to the two-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year Silent Witness (El Moxie {USA}) and the G2 Salinger S. winner Sister Madly (Redoute’s Choice), who also placed multiple times at Group 1 level.
Lonhro, sire of Darling Point
Canterbury Park Race 5, 3.10pm, TAB Rewards H., $50,000, 1250m
Brazilica (Redoute’s Choice) has a pedigree to be proud of and she’s already added performance to it with a win at the first time of asking on the Kensington track. She was then third at Rosehill before trainer Chris Waller put her aside and she has had a trial to fit her to resume.
Brazilica as a yearling
The filly is out of the G1 VRC Oaks winner and G2 Wakeful S. winner Brazilian Pulse (NZ) (Captain Rio {GB}), who hails from an international family. It features the North American Group 2 winner Shanaw (Ire) (Caerleon {USA}) and the European Group 3 winner Sharbayan (Ire) (Doyoun {Ire}), but without doubt the most famous member is Shergar (GB) (Great Nephew {GB}), who met an untimely end after a glittering Group 1 career.
