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 are expecting a filly who won on debut to keep her unbeaten record intact at Lismore while at Wangaratta we like the chances of a well-related 3-year-old making her first appearance and a promising staying prospect.
Lismore, Race 5, 3.10pm AEDT, Snack The Track 24th July H., $22,000, 1100m
Shanjomi (Dream Ahead {USA}) had produced a couple of useful trials ahead of her debut at Ballina earlier this month and she put on a good show from a wide barrier to win with a measure of authority. As the equal top-rated runner in the field, she looks well off at the weights to make it two on the bounce.
Dream Ahead (USA), sire of Shanjomi | Standing at Aquis Farm
The filly is trained by Matthew Dunn and is a brother to the winner Nightmare with their dam Diadem Trist (Beautiful Crown) successful in a pair of sprint contests. Her half-sister Skyt (Nicconi) was a multiple winner and stakes placed and they are out of the G3 Queen’s Cup winner Sky Trist (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}).
Wangaratta, Race 1, 1.20pm AEDT, Bi-Rite Electrical Wangaratta 3YO, $35,000, 1100m
Champs D’Or (Deep Field) was bred and sold by Glastonbury Farms at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale to McEvoy Mitchell Racing for $220,000. She is a daughter of the unraced Legato (Danehill {USA}), a half-sister to the G2 Bill Stutt S. winner and G1 Caulfield Guineas runner-up Shubert (Salieri {USA}).
Champs D'Or as a yearling
Also on the filly’s pedigree page is the G2 Magic Night S. winner Downhill Racer (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) and the Listed Poseidon S. winner and sire Gonski. Champs D’Or is on debut for Tony and Calvin McEvoy and from gate two with Damien Thornton in the saddle she looks a strong chance.
Wangaratta, Race 8, 5.15pm AEDT, A1 Tyrepower Wangaratta H., $35,000, 2000m
Grade Zero (All Too Hard) is a lightly-tried and progressive 3-year-old who finished in the money in his first three appearances before showing his appreciation of a step up in trip at his most recent start. He was a course and distance winner earlier this month and a repeat performance is on the cards.
Grade Zero as a yearling
Prepared by Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes, Grade Zero was bought by Lindsay Park for just $25,000 at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale where he was offered by Bhima Thoroughbreds. He is a son of Quintessential (NZ) (Fast ‘N’ Famous), who was successful in the G1 Queensland Oaks and second in the G1 Queensland Derby. She is from a strong North American black-type family that includes stakes winners Garemma (USA) (Shananie {USA}), Vinnie’s Boy (USA) (Sejm {USA}) and Magical Madness (USA) (Sword Dance {USA}).
