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 will aim to give you something to follow.
Today, we are expecting a pair of lightly tried last-start winners to continue their form and at Gosford we like the chances of a well-related colt on debut off the back of two tidy trial performances.
Bendigo, Race 3, 1.30pm AEDT, Apiam Animal Health VOBIS Gold Rush, $250,000, 1000m
Secret Legend (Zoustar) was untroubled to win on debut at Sandown where he coasted along in front and was out on his own by 3.75l at the post. There’s no doubt he’s a talented colt and with Michael Dee ion the saddle again, another winning run looks on the cards.
Secret Legend as a yearling
Trainer John Sadler signed the ticket at $500,000 to secure Secret Legend at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where he was presented through the draft of Segenhoe Stud. He is a son of the Reset mare Savsegna and she is a grand-daughter of the three-time international Group 1 winner Intrepidity (GB) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}), whose half-sister Calandra (USA) (Sir Ivor {USA}) was successful in an edition of the G2 Pretty Polly S.
Bendigo, Race 7, 4.10pm AEDT, Listed The Preece Bendigo Guineas, $150,000, 1400m
Bred and raced by Cressfield, Military Parade (I Am Invincible) is a brother to the dual winner and stakes performer Regimental Band and their dam Lilliburlero (Redoute’s Chance) was a smart race mare who won the G3 Triscay S. She is out of the former Champion 3-Year-Old Filly Regimental Gal (General Nediym), a two-time Group 1 winner who also produced the mother of the G2 Pago Pago S. winner Souchez (Lonhro).
Military Parade as a yearling
Military Parade finished runner-up in his first two starts for trainers John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes and then justified his short odds when breaking through at Canterbury Park. He looks a progressive type and, from an inside barrier, jockey Will Price should be able to give him every opportunity to open his black-type account.
Gosford, Race 3, 2.14pm AEDT, Vietnam Veterans Keith Payne VC Hostel 2YO, $35,000, 1200m
Wolfburn (Snitzel) was sold to Bjorn Baker Racing and Clarke Bloodstock for $400,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale Round 2 where he was offered by breeder Edinburgh Park, who has remained in the ownership. He is a brother to multiple winner and Group performer Miss Wonderland and half-brother to Spencer (Pierro), a six-time winner and Listed placed.
Snitzel, sire of Wolfburn | Standing at Arrowfield Stud
They are out of Alice’s Smart (USA) (Smart Strike {USA}) and the family of the multiple Group 1 winner and sire Criterion (NZ), the G2 Bill Stutt S. winner Glenfiddich (Fastnet Rock) and his close relation and dual black-type winner Eleven Eleven (Fastnet Rock). Trained by Baker, Wolfburn has placed in his two most recent trials and should give a bold sight in the hands of Mitchell Bell.
