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 Thursday, a son of a Group 1-winning mare looks to break his maiden at Wyong, where a son of Capitalist aims for win number two, while at Cairns, a half-brother to a stakes winner steps out on debut.
Wyong, Race 4, 2.10pm AEST, De Bortoli Wines 3YO Mdn, $35,000, 1350m
The Matthew Dunn-trained Whatever I Say (Pierro) was only beaten a short margin into second at his debut at Newcastle earlier this month and tackles a race where he should be able to break his maiden with some luck.
Whatever I Say as a yearling
A $140,000 purchase from the draft of Erinvale Thoroughbreds at the 2019 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Whatever I Say is out of G1 Robert Sangster S. winner Universal Queen (NZ) (Scenic {Ire}). She has produced two winners to date, Lobster (Redoute's Choice) and Dazzles (Redoute's Choice), and is a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Universal Prince (NZ). That extended family also includes the Group 1-winning mare Krone (Eurozone).
Cairns, Race 4, 2.28pm AEST, Jayco Cairns QTIS 2YO & 3YO Mdn, $18,500, 1250m
Muzzletop (Top Echelon) makes his debut for trainer Georgie Holt off a much-improved second trial at Townsville last time out where he was beaten into second by 2l. He has drawn well here in barrier two for jockey Scott Sheargold.
Top Echelon, sire of Muzzletop | Standing at Oakwood Farm
A homebred for Craig Cygler, Muzzletop is a half-brother to the Listed Tattersall's Mile winner Fit For Purpose (Show A Heart) as well as two other winners. Another Tattersall's Mile winner, She's Academic (Royal Academy {USA}), also features on the page as do fellow Listed winners Proceedwithcaution (Trade Fair {GB}) and Jumbo Prince (Outback Prince), and further back, G1 Doncaster H. winner Patezza (Rubiton).
Wyong, Race 6, 3.25pm AEST, Carlton Wyong Gold Cup - Friday September 3 BM64 H., $35,000, 1100m
Sniper Legend (Capitalist) has been very competitive in his three starts to date for Matthew Vella, winning a maiden at Hawkesbury two back and then being beaten by the in-form Cueillir (Pluck {USA}) at Gosford last time out. He looks capable of measuring up against this class of horse.
Sniper Legend as a yearling
Initially purchased for $170,000 as a yearling through the Inglis Classic Sale by Mitchell Bloodstock, he was re-offered through the 2020 Inglis Ready2Race Sale via Glenn Haven Thoroughbreds' draft where he attracted a successful bid of $550,000 to Bon Ho. He is the first foal out of Listed winner Lady Sniper (Snippetson), from a family that includes Listed winners Easy Landing (Mister C {USA}) and Misty Dawn (Misty C {USA}).
Looking Back
The Chris Waller-trained Starman (Zoustar), who was picked out in this column on Wednesday, saluted in style in his debut at the Kensington track, charging home to win in the manner of a horse with a bright future.
Cueillir failed to come on in his race at Kensington, finishing eighth, while Real Danger (I Am Invincible) faded from on the pace to finish sixth in her debut at Belmont.
