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’re expecting a 3-year-old to remain unbeaten at Randwick, a well-related juvenile to go close at Newcastle while at Flemington we’re keen on a filly’s prospects of a return to winning form.
Randwick, Race 1, 11.35am AEST, Newhaven Park H., $125,000, 1300m
Travest (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) has made the best possible start to his career and the 3-year-old looks to have plenty more to offer. He won on his home track at Warwick Farm before returning there following a break to score again. He drops 1.5kg on that performance and appeals as a strong chance to remain undefeated.
The late Tavistock (NZ), sire of Travest (NZ)
A son of the G3 Desert Gold S. winner Glamorous Girl (NZ) (Thorn Park), the Gregory Hickman-trained gelding is a half-brother to three winners. Their dam is a half-sister to the stakes-winner So Elusive (Elusive City {USA}) with the G3 Cambridge Breeders’ S. winner Geeza (NZ) (Ishiguru {USA}) also prominent in the pedigree.
Newcastle, Race 2, 12.29pm AEST, TAB Long May We Play Plate, $35,000, 1400m
Saquon (No Nay Never {USA}) brings a quality international pedigree to the table here as a son of Laurelling (USA) (Highest Honor {Fr}). Three of her foals to race have been successful and she is a sister to the G1 Racing Post Trophy winner and sire Medaaly (GB) and a half-sister to the dual Group 2-winning sire Charnwood Forest (Ire) (Warning {GB}).
Saquon as a yearling
Laurelling is out of a sister to the Group 1 winner and sire Fort Wood (USA) and also close up in the pedigree is the multiple top-flight winning sire Timber Country (USA). Saquon was a $150,000 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale buy for trainer Paul Perry and off the back of a close second at Scone last time out is primed to go one better.
Flemington, Race 1, 11.50am AEST, AAMI Next Generation Sprinters’ Final, $110,000 1200m
Sense Of Honour (Pride Of Dubai) is a half-sister to the multiple winner and Group 2 placegetter Serious Liaison (Zoffany {Ire}) and they are out of the juvenile winner and stakes performer Little Miss Smiley (Husson {Arg}). She is a daughter of a three-quarter sister to the G2 Bill Stutt S. winner Leonardo Da Hinchi (Hinchinbrook).
Sense Of Honour as a yearling
Trained by Mick Prince and Michael Kent Jnr, Sense Of Honour was an impressive winner first time out at Sandown and made late ground from last to run fourth at The Valley. She should be much better suited to the roomy Flemington course and from an inside gate with Ben Melham in the saddle again appeals as a strong chance.
