Another Sydney deluge has STOCKMAN poised to start favourite in this Saturday’s $2 million Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) on Day Two of The Championships at Randwick.
STOCKMAN (pictured), arguably the best wet-track stayer in Sydney at the moment, will be greeted with his preferred heavy conditions when he lines up in the prestigious event.
The Joe Pride-trained gelding also plunges 8kg in weight from his gallant second placing at weight-for-age in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) last month.
Regular rider Sam Clipperton is unable to get down to the required 51kg on Saturday but an able replacement has been secured in Alysha Collett.
On Wednesday the final major yearling auction of the season concluded – the Inglis Easter sale – and Proven Thoroughbreds was on hand to purchase three horses.
Lot 94 was a filly by DEEP FIELD from CANDIKA, a stakes winner formerly raced by Proven Thoroughbreds. This was CANDIKA’s second foal. Her first foal was a ZOUSTAR colt which sold for $520k last year. Sadly, CANDIKA is no longer with us as she passed away while giving birth to another ZOUSTAR foal last spring.
So naturally, we are hoping to preserve CANDIKA’s legacy with her DEEP FIELD filly, which we secured for $260k. Many of CANDIKA’s original owners have secured a spot in the ownership as have the trainers Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted. Kia Ora Stud, who bred and sold CANDIKA as well as this filly, have retained a 20% share.
Lot 152 was an ASTERN filly from the CANNY LAD mare ENCANITO. She was privately acquired for clients of trainer Kerry Parker. We wish her new connections the best of luck!
Our final purchase was a full-sister to the Group performer INVINSIBLE TEARS, being by MAURICE from NETWORKING. Followers of Proven will recall we purchased a NOT A SINGLE DOUBT filly from NETWORKING last year. Now named MINGLE, she has shown considerable promise with the O’Dea/Hoysted team so we were keen to reinvest in the family. And MAURICE is one of the hottest sires in the country at the moment with autumn carnival winners like HITOTSU and MAZU.
For more information on our latest acquisitions, visit our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
To ensure you stay up to date on all things Proven, join our mailing list by entering your name and email address at the bottom right section of the HOME page.
BLACK BOOKER
KARAOKE QUEEN got warm late over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast last start. She looks ready to step up in trip after two sound efforts over the five furlongs. She was a city winner on debut last preparation so has above average ability and can be placed to win next start.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Ipswich Wednesday April 6
BM65 Handicap 1350m:
CANADIAN DANCER
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Jaden Lloyd (a2)
Comment: Lightly-raced filly yet to miss a place in four starts and gets in beautifully here with just 52.5kg on her back. Drawn wide but will take some beating if she can get an ounce of luck.
Randwick Saturday April 9
Group 1 Sydney Cup 3200m:
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Alysha Collett
Comment: Looks ready to peak for his autumn grand final. Loves a wet track, light weight and in career best form. The query is the distance.
Doomben Saturday April 9
QTIS 3YO Handicap 1615m:
TERANGA
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Jaden Lloyd (a2)
Comment: Got a fair way back at Eagle Farm with the rail out and ran on ok into fifth. Expecting improvement up to this trip and will appreciate some give in the track.
Newcastle Saturday April 9
Metro & Prov Maiden 1400m:
STANDOVER MAN
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Needs to improve sharply from a disappointing run second-up at Canberra. Effort prior on a very heavy track at Goulburn had some merit so is capable of better.
Gold Coast Saturday April 9
QTIS 3YO BM65 Handicap 1400m:
MERSEYSIDE
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Resuming. Won on debut over 1200m this time last year and form has been decent since, including a fourth behind GYPSY GODDESS who is set to start favourite in Australian Oaks on Saturday.
COME CLEAN
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Closed off well for second last week on a heavy (10) track. Ready for this distance now.
Sunshine Coast Sunday April 10
Class 1 Handicap 1200m:
MERSEYSIDE
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Resuming. Won on debut over 1200m this time last year and form has been decent since, including a fourth behind GYPSY GODDESS who is set to start favourite in Australian Oaks on Saturday.
QTIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1000m:
FIERY EXCHANGE
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Had no luck at all first-up when seventh at the Gold Coast. Look for an improved showing.
