Six horses to follow to bring in the New Year with a bang

Herald Sun chief racing writer Leo Schlink highlights high-class horses racing in three states worth giving more than a fleeting interest this weekend.

Noel Callow riding Persuader to victory in the MRC Members Twilight Glow Stakes.

Herald Sun chief racing writer Leo Schlink highlights high-class horses racing in three states worth giving more than a fleeting interest this weekend.

THE EARLY OIL: MOONEE VALLEY

TOP PICKS: WEEKEND BEST BETS

RACE WATCH: ROYAL RANDWICK

ALIZEE

RANDWICK SATURDAY,

R6 No. 1

The dual Group 1 winner is back from a bleeding embargo but appears not have lost any of her ability. Alizee has had two decent barrier trials, the most recent over 1050m at Randwick two weeks ago, and excels first-up. Well found in the marketsalready and Hugh Bowman rides.

YES YES YES

THE VALLEY SATURDAY,

R1 No. 1

The two-year-old holds a nomination for the $2 million Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast on January 12. A second victory from three starts would give Darren Weir the confidence to head north with the colt. Could hardly have been more impressive at Flemington.

Just Zerene with his strapper Sarah Rutten. Picture: Brisbane Racing Club

JUST ZERENE

DOOMBEN SATURDAY,

R5 No. 14

The spruik horse in the Group 3 B.J. McLachlan Stakes, but is yet to start in a trial much less a race. Tony McEvoy’s $800,000 yearling is being aimed at the Magic Millions Classic, but has to finish in the top three in Saturday’s 1200m race to have a chance to breaking into the field. Just Zerene has been solidly backed to win on debut, into $2 with TAB. The filly hasalso firmed for the Magic Millions from $51 to $6. McEvoy also has Sun City in the McLachlan Stakes.

Noel Callow sends Persuader to the line to win at Sandown Hillside last month.

PERSUADER

DOOMBEN SATURDAY,

R6 No. 12

Mick Price’s filly travels north in search of a Group 3 win after an upset victory in the Twilight Glow Stakes at Sandown. Freshened since her November 17 win, Persuader will be ridden by Brenton Avdulla, who takes over from Noel Callow.

IGNITING

RANDWICK SATURDAY,

R1 No. 3

On debut for trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace after an emphatic trial win over 900m in heavy conditions at Canterbury. The blinkers go on here. The two-year-old son of Starspangledbanner is from a stable in sizzling form and is a big watch.

Aloisia salutes on Cox Plate Day at Moonee Valley in 2017.

ALOISIA

GOSFORD SATURDAY,

R6 No. 1

Bypassed the 2000m Summer Cup at Randwick on Boxing Day to tackle fillies and mares in the Group 3 Belle Of The Turf over 1600m. Emphatic return to form when second to Sky Boy in the Villiers. A repeat of that performance would see her go close to winning her first race since 2017.