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 Tuesday, we will kickstart proceedings with a regally related Malua Racing-trained filly in second event at Geelong before assessing the debut run of a well-bred import.
We will round out the day in the fourth event at Scone with a trial fit debutant.
Bet 365 Geelong, Race 2, 2pm AEDT, Ritchie Bros. Feb 23-24 2022 Auction Mdn Plate, $25,000, 1135m
Good Life Diva, 3-year-old filly (Capitalist x La Dolce Diva {Fusaichi Pegasus {USA}})
The Leon and Troy Corstens-trained Good Life Diva looks well-placed here after hitting the line with intent on debut at Wangaratta to finish fourth.
Ethan Brown, who has been in red-hot form since returning from suspension, replaces Lachlan King in the saddle and maps to get a nice run aboard the talented filly from the good gate, barrier four.
Good Life Diva as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
A $100,000 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase by Malua Bloodstock via the draft of Lime Country Thoroughbreds, Good Life Diva is out of La Dolce Diva, herself an unplaced daughter of three-time G1 Melbourne Cup-winning heroine Makybe Diva (GB) (Desert King {Ire}).
La Dolce Diva has already produced the G2 Moonee Valley Classic-placed Touch Of Mink (Not A Single Doubt).
Bet365 Geelong, Race 4, 3pm AEDT, Bellarine Peninsula Thoroughbreds Mdn Plate, $25,000, 1335m
Farhh Flung (GB), 3-year-old colt (Farhh {GB} x Flycatcher {Ire} {Medicean {GB}})
The Danny O’Brien-trained Farhh Flung (GB) creates a great deal of intrigue leading into his debut. The imported colt was fourth in a Moe trial on November 23 and has since finished well to win a Werribee jump-out.
Likely tactics are unclear but expect him to be hitting the line strongly.
Farrh Flung (GB) as a yearling | Image courtesy of Tattersalls
A $130,000 gns (AU$254,000) 2020 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale purchase by Jeremy Brummitt and Danny O’Brien, Farhh Flung is out of dual European winner Flycatcher (Ire), herself a half-sister to Listed winner and the dual Group 2-placed Rosa Grace (GB) (Lomitas {GB}).
The stakes-placed Montatham (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) and Troubador (Ire) (Poet’s Voice {GB}) feature in this pedigree.
Scone, Race 4, Merry Xmas From The SRC Mdn Plate, $24,000, 1100m
Packer, 3-year-old gelding (Written Tycoon x Angel’s Choice {Redoute’s Choice})
Packer finally makes it to the racetrack after trialling on six occasions to date, the first of those a year to this day. He has only won one trial thus far but has shown ability when winning a 742 metre trial at Randwick on October 19.
The Greg Hickman-trained gelding has drawn awkwardly in barrier 15 but will have talented apprentice Tyler Schiller aboard.
Packer as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
A $200,000 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase by Greg Hickman Racing, Packer is out of the unraced Angel’s Choice, herself a sister to dual Group 1 winner Melito.
Dual Group 3 winner and G1 Blue Diamond S. runner-up turned Arrowfield Stud stallion Pariah alongside G1 Australian Guineas runner-up You’re So Good (NZ) (Savabeel) features in this family.
Looking Back
On Sunday, our first selection Buoyant (NZ) (Dalghar {Ire}) finished ninth beaten 12.6l on debut at Gore.
Our second selection, Mountain Range (Teofilo {Ire}) was an impressive winner at Sale in the second event while our final selection Argyle Pink (Star Witness) finished fifth at the Sunshine Coast.
