Looking Ahead highlights runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are an exceptionally well-bred or high-priced runner early in their career chasing maiden success, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse that has trialed particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.
Three exciting runners are set to hit the track across Australia on Saturday. An I Am Invincible colt chases maiden success at Eagle Farm, an I Am Invincible filly looks hard to beat at Kembla Grange, and a Snitzel filly with very strong form lines up at Mornington.
Eagle Farm, Race 1, 10.59am AEDT, Become a BRC Member QTIS 2YO Handicap, $85,000, 1400m
Navy Pilot, 2-year-old colt (I Am Invincible x Amuletum (GB) {New Approach {Ire}})
Navy Pilot, a son of the outstanding I Am Invincible, will make his third career start for trainer Ciaron Maher at Eagle Farm, over 1400 metres on Saturday.
His form only looks ordinary on paper having been unplaced in both of his starts, but his fifth was in good company, behind Stormland (NZ) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), and then he failed at Group 1 company in the Sires’ Produce Stakes at Randwick behind Vinrock when running ninth, but he was only beaten 3.03l. This is a clear drop back in grade, and it would be no surprise if he get’s the job done at Eagle Farm
Navy Pilot as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
This promising colt is the fourth foal from the New Approach (GB) mare Amuletum (GB), she was a winner in Great Britain but has an incredible pedigree, she is a half-sister to the 14-time winner and Champion Anamoe, she is out of the G1 winner Anamato (Redoute’s Choice) and as a broodmare, she has already left the two-time Group 2 winner and Listed winner in Tiz Invincible (I Am Invincible) who is entered for the 2025 Inglis Chairman's Sale next month.
Since Producing Navy Pilot, Amuletum has left a yearling colt by Aclaim (Ire), a weanling filly by I Am Invincible, and was most recently served by Wootton Bassett (GB) last spring.
Kembla Grange, Race 1, 12.25pm, AEDT, The Hunter Media Co F&M Maiden Plate, $42,000, 1500m
Kilkenny, 3-year-old filly (I Am Invincible x Shillelagh (NZ) {Savabeel})
The Chris Waller-trained Kilkenny (I Am Invincible) will make her third start over 1500 metres at Kembla Grange on Saturday. She has looked okay in her career so far, and ran a much improved start last time at Warwick Farm when running fourth behind the progressive Engine Room (NZ) (Super Seth).
Kilkenny is the second foal from the classy Savabeel mare Shillelagh (NZ), who was an extremely good mare, winning eight races including the G1 Empire Rose Stakes and the G1 Cantala Stakes, both at Flemington.
I Am Invincible | Standing at Yarraman Park Stud
She is also very well-related being a full sister to Tullamore (NZ) (Savabeel) who won the G2 Brisbane Cup and Grazia (NZ) (Savabeel) who was successful at Listed level.
Since producing Kilkenny, Shillelagh has left Hostility (I Am Invincible) who has placed twice from two starts, including in the G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes. He was an expensive NZ$1.65 million purchase from the 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale.
Since leaving that talented colt, she has left a Snitzel weanling filly, and she was subsequently served by I am Invincible last spring.
Mornington, Race 1, 11.50m, AEDT, Asset Painting Services Mornington Sires, $150,000, 1200m
Prestige Snitzel, 2-year-old filly (Snitzel x Imposing Lass (NZ) {Makfi {GB})
The David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins-trained Prestige Snitzel (Snitzel) will be making her third start at Mornington on Saturday over 1200 metres.
The promising filly brings very strong form lines to the juvenile event. On debut she ran fourth in the G3 Ottawa Stakes behind Military Tycoon (Written Tycoon), and then at her last start she ran a very good second in the G3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes behind Recuperato (Farnan).
Prestige Snitzel as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
Prestige Snitzel has an outstanding pedigree, she is the fourth foal of Imposing Lass (NZ) (Makfi {GB}), who was a five-time winner and was successful in the G3 Belle Of The Turf Stakes and the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet.
Imposing Lass is a full sister to the three-time Group 1 winner Bonneval (NZ) (Makfi (GB}) and the Listed winner Frontman (NZ) (Makfi {GB}). She is also a half-sister to the Group winners Lord Arthur (Camelot {GB}), Full Of Spirit (Flying Spur) and Lady Cumquat (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}).
Imposing Lass, since producing Prestige Snitzel has left a yearling colt by Stay Inside, and was most recently served by Zousain last spring.
Prestige Snitzel was a $370,000 purchase by E Yeung from the draft of Silverdale Farm at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale
Looking Back
Global Eclipse (Pierata) - won with ease at Cranbourne, he was ready to win, and he couldn't have been more dominant leading all of the way.
Fauci (NZ) (Super Seth) - was an impressive winner at Cranbourne, he settled well back and charged home to win. He looks a progressive type and should thrive over more ground.
Wonderful Mistake (Flying Artie) - ran a very brave second at Canberra, she was caught wide throughout and she was brave to only go down narrowly.
