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 fancy the prospects of a couple of in-form 3-year-olds in action on the Kensington track at Randwick while at Geelong we’re expecting a colt to run up to his staying-biased pedigree when he gets out to 2200 metres.
Kensington, Race 1, 2pm AEDT, Josh Howe Big Sports Breakfast Plate, $50,000, 1100m
Colonel (Snitzel) was an expensive yearling and was bought out of Segenhoe Stud’s Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale draft for $900,000. He is a brother to multiple winner Juan Diva with their dam Peron (Husson {Arg}) the Listed winner of the Gai Waterhouse Classic and twice a Group placegetter.
Colonel as a yearling
She is a half-sister to Gai’s Choice (General Nediym), also successful in the Waterhouse Classic, and the family of the G1 Oakleigh Plate winner Eagle Falls (Hussonet {USA}). Trained by Team Snowden, Colonel has placed at his last two starts and with the services of Nash Rawiller looks set to post the first win of his brief career.
Kensington, Race 2, 2.35pm AEDT, Sam Flanagan Big Sports Breakfast Plate, $50,000, 1400m
Kukeracha (NZ) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) was a debut winner last season and showed further success was imminent with his resuming run for second at Canterbury Park toward the end of last month. The step up to 1400 metres looks ideal for the colt with Sam Clipperton to take the reins.
Night Of Thunder (Ire), sire of Kukeracha (NZ) | Standing at Darley Europe
From the Chris Waller stable, Kukeracha was purchased for NZ$130,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale where he was offered by Waikato Stud. He is a half-brother to the G3 Keith Nolan Classic and Listed Scone Cup winner Cameo (Shamardal {USA}) with their dam Portrait Of A Lady (USA) (AP Indy {USA}) a half-sister to the dual French Group 3 winner, multiple Group 1 placegetter and sire Layman (USA).
Geelong, Race 6, 3.20pm AEDT, Roderick Insurance Geelong Classic, $140,000, 2200m
Alycone (Teofilo {Ire}) is well-equipped on pedigree to make a winning impact over this distance as a son of the former top race mare Purple (Commands). She was successful in the G1 Queensland Oaks and in the G1 Storm Queen S. and at stud has produced three winners.
Teofilo (Ire), sire of Alcone | Standing at Darley Europe
The family also features the G2 Chairman’s H. winner Fooram (NZ) (Maroof {USA}) and the G2 Canterbury Cup winner Estimable (NZ) (Balmerino {NZ}) so there is plenty of staying power on the pedigree page. An 1800 metre winner last term, Alycone is trained by James Cummings and with two runs under his belt this time in he can return to his best form over this extended trip.
