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 Friday at Scone, we’re keen on the chances of a colt on debut who comes from a well-performed family and a lightly-tried filly who looks on the verge of winning form while at The Valley we like a filly with a strong Group pedigree.
Scone, Race 1, 1.25pm, HQ Insurance Maiden, $22,000, 900m
Strategist (Written Tycoon) is a half-brother to Cornrow (Duporth), who won five races and finished third in both the G1 ATC Sires’ Produce S. and the G1 Blue Diamond S. Their dam Baby Corn (Exceed And Excel) has a 100 per cent record at stud with all four of her foals to race having been successful.
Written Tycoon, sire of Strategist
She was a talented mare herself with victory in the Listed Pewsey Vale S. and placing in the G3 Jansz S. and is a daughter of the G3 Matriarch S. winner Sweet Corn (Scenic {Ire}). Strategist was a $650,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale buy and a trial placing at Randwick last month should see the colt ready to give a bold showing for trainers Peter and Paul Snowden.
Scone, Race 4, 3.10pm, Asser House Café Maiden, $22,000, 1300m
Andaluna (Wandjina) was unplaced on debut before she showed significant improvement to finish third on this course at her most recent appearance last month. She came from the back half of the field and an increase in distance here can only be in her favour.
Wandjina, sire of Andaluna
Prepared by Kris Lees, Andaluna is a half-sister to the G3 The Roses winner Etana (Shamus Award) and to Echo Gal (Stratum), twice placed at Group 3 level. Their dam Pink Siris (Encosta de Lago) is a stakes performed sister to the former champion Hong Kong stayer Liberator with their dam a sister to the G3 Dance Smartly H. winner Alexi (Ire) (Alzao {USA}).
The Valley, Race 1, 6.30pm, Antler Luggage Plate, $50,000, 1200m
Dondeska (Snitzel) has been in the money in her last two starts for trainer Danny O’Brien and now looks primed to break through. She has been close up at both Seymour and Bendigo and the chestnut appeals as a strong chance with Damien Oliver to guide her fortunes.
Snitzel, sire of Dondeska
A Makybe homebred who failed to meet her $300,000 reserve at the Inglis Sydney Easter Yearling Sale, is out of the unraced Star Of Sydney (Starcraft {NZ}), who is a half-sister to the G1 ATC Sires’ Produce S. winner Invader (Snitzel) and the G2 Wealth Management Plate winner Not Listenin’tome (Dylan Thomas {Ire}). Their dam Flame Of Sydney (Encosta de Lago) was a black type winner and is from the family of the G2 Warwick S. winner What Can I Say (NZ) (Khozaam {USA}), who produced the Group 2 winners Only Words (End Sweep {USA}) and Holy Snow (Fastnet Rock).
