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 early in its career chasing maiden success, 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 Sunday a couple of two-year-olds are looking for maiden success. A daughter of Dundeel (NZ) makes her debut at Mudgee and a very well-bred Snitzel colt is looking to break through on the Sunshine Coast Poly Track.
Mudgee, Race 1, 2.20pm, AEST, Your Song at Gooree Park 2YO H., $27,000, 1100m
Unleeshing, 2-year-old filly (Dundeel (NZ) x Eleesha {Encosta De Lago})
The well-bred Unleeshing, is set to make her debut over 1100 metres for Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker at Mudgee on Sunday. In preparation she looked smart, winning her trial nicely at Rosehill over 1030 metres on May 2.
This promising filly is by Arrowfield Stud’s classy stallion in Dundeel (NZ), who has had another outstanding season leaving the Group 1 winning colts Celestial Legend and Militarize (NZ).
Dundeel (NZ) | Standing at Arrowfield Stud
Unleeshing is the fifth foal from Eleesha (Encosta De Lago). She was unraced on the track but has already made a mark as a broodmare having left the talented New Zealand filly Imelda Mary (NZ) (Ferlax {NZ}) she was successful in the G2 Sir Tristram Fillies C., and the G2 Royal S.
Eleesha has also left the Group 3 placed filly Mountain Guest (Tarzino {NZ}) and the winner Murrajong Road (NZ) (Sweynesse).
Further back in the family is the top class filly Fashions Afield (Redoute’s Choice) who was a six-time winner including the G1 Flight S., and the G1 Sires’ Produce S., as well as placing in a plethora of black-type events. She has also been a good producer leaving five-winners with the best of them being Kiss And Make Up who was successful in the G2 Todman S.
Eleesha since producing Unleeshing has left a yearling filly by Toronado (Ire) and was most recently served by Toronado again last spring.
Unleeshing was purchased by MyRacehorse/Bjorn Baker Racing/Clarke Bloodstock/Belmont Bloodstock at the 2023 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale from the draft of Blue Gum Farm for $80,000
Sunshine Coast Poly Track, Race 1, 12.45pm, AEST, The Pump House QTIS 2YO H., $28,000 , 1000m
Fitzpatrick, 2-year-old colt (Snitzel x Cocoa Doll {More Than Ready {USA})
Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Fitzpatrick (Snitzel) is by four-time Champion Sire Snitzel out of the three-time winning mare Cocoa Doll (More Than Ready). On debut Fitzpatrick ran a good third at Bendigo where he sat on the pace and battled on well, he looks well placed to win at start number two.
Fitzpatrick is very well-related being a half-brother to G3 Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies)-placed Written Swoosh (Written Tycoon) as well as the winners Brazen Boy (Brazen Beau) and Trapeze Warrior (Trapeze Artist). His dam Cocoa Doll is a half-sister to G2 Percy Sykes S. and R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Away Game (Snitzel), making Fitzpatrick a three-quarter brother to Away Game and her full brother Listed winner Modern Wonder (Snitzel).
Fitzpatrick as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Away Game won $3,750,225 on the track including the G2 Percy Sykes S., she was very unlucky not to win a Group 1, although did manage three Group 1-placings including a runner-up position in the G1 Golden Slipper.
Adding to the commercial appeal of the family, In more recent times Away Game sold at the 2022 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale when consigned by Newgate Farm fetching $4 million to the bid of the Written Tycoon Syndicate. Last spring Away Game foaled a Written Tycoon filly and was once again served by Yulong Stud’s Written Tycoon.
Cocoa Doll since producing Fitzpatrick has left a yearling filly by Zoustar, a weanling filly by Home Affairs and was most recently served in the spring by Zoustar again.
Fitzpatrick was purchased by the Rosemont Alliance and Suman Hedge Bloodstock (FBAA) at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from proven producers Mill Park Stud for $950,000.
Looking Back:
A mixed day for our selections on Saturday.
Belardi (Belardo {Ire}) ran a fair race at New Plymouth finishing sixth, he should improve from his debut run.
Omnic (NZ) (Proisir) ran second at Newcastle, he ran well and is knocking on the door.
Perspiration (Too Darn Hot {GB}) was scratched, follow him next time.
