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.
Today, we take a closer look at a pair of well-credentialled maiden contenders at the Hawkesbury meeting from the stables of Anthony Cummings and Bjorn Baker and at Bendigo we like the chances of a debut winner remaining unbeaten for trainer Michael Moroney.
Hawkesbury, Race 5, Lander Toyota Maiden, $35,000, 1500m
Shadow Girl (Uncle Mo {USA}) turned in an excellent debut performance when she finished third on the Kensington track and the form out of that race gives more confidence in the filly’s chances here. She was beaten by Brandenburg (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}), who has since run second in the G2 Stan Fox S., while the runner-up Cock Match (Zoffany {Ire}) was a winner at Warwick Farm last week.
Uncle Mo (USA), sire of Shadow Girl
Trained by Anthony Cummings, Shadow Girl is a half-sister to the siblings Stick With Me (Duporth) and Shadow Flight, who have won six races apiece, and they are out of Shadow Miss (Dane Shadow). The dam is a sister to the G1 South Australian Derby winner Shadows In The Sun and a half-sister to the Listed Fernhill H. winner Stone Canyon (Rubiton).
Hawkesbury, Race 8, 5.50pm, Fishboys Maiden, $35,000, 1100m
Axe (Written Tycoon) was well backed when sixth on debut behind Faretti (I Am Invincible), who ran a close fourth in the Listed Brian Crowley S. last Saturday so that’s a genuine form line, and the Bjorn Baker-trained colt has since won at the Rosehill trials under Rachel King, who takes the ride again.
Axe as a yearling
A $340,000 graduate of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Axe is a son of the unraced Exselva (Exceed And Excel). Her dam Lacandona (USA) (Septieme Ciel {USA}) is a half-sister to the mothers of the G1 Yellow Ribbon S. winner Able Indienne (USA) (Bluebird {USA}) and the G1 Grand Prix de Paris winner Erupt (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The family has also performed well in Australia through the G1 Tattersall’s Tiara winner Pear Tart (Dehere {USA}).
Bendigo, Race 4, BRB Electrical H., $35,000, 1300m
The Michael Moroney-prepared Rocking Eagle (Zoustar) was a $160,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase and is a half-brother to the Listed Murdoch Newel S. winner Jackofall (NZ)(Mastercraftsman {Ire}). Their dam Wizard Princess (Rory’s Jester) is a half-sister to the G1 Flight S. winner Cheeky Choice (Redoute’s Choice) and the family of the G1 Rosehill Guineas winner Zabrasive (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and the G3 Epona S. winner and G1 South Australian Derby runner-up Scratchy Bottom (Sebring).
Rocking Eagle as a yearling
Rocking Eagle will face a handy line-up here, but on the strength of his debut performance he looks more than capable of making his mark in a higher grade. The 3-year-old raced in behind the pace at Bairnsdale and rounded off strongly for a clear-cut win and he looks a plum ride in this for William Pike.
