Another spate of heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in Queensland last week, forcing wholesale changes to the Winter Carnival schedule.
Proven Thoroughbreds had three runners (STROLL, CONTEMPTUOUS and TERANGA) set to contest stakes races at last Saturday’s Doomben Cup meeting that was ultimately abandoned due to the state of the track.
That trio will now run in stakes races later in the carnival – hardly an ideal scenario for our Brisbane trainers Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted but all participants are in the same boat.
An extended card for Saturday at Eagle Farm will include the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) in which PRIVATE EYE and SCALLOPINI (pictured) will start. The former will carry the number one saddlecloth, while the latter was elevated out of the emergencies due to the scratching of SIERRA SUE on Thursday morning.
SCALLOPINI was also an acceptor in the Group 2 BRC Sprint (1300m) but a wide draw there convinced O’Dea and Hoysted to give the veteran gelding at crack at Group 1 level. Both SCALLOPINI and PRIVATE EYE have favourable records at Eagle Farm and will appreciate the fast-drying surface.
Elsewhere, RUBINOCCHI is entered for a 1200m BM race at Randwick however with the track currently rated a heavy (10), trainer Joe Pride is contemplating scratching and waiting for fillies and mares race over the same distance at Rosehill the following Saturday.
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BLACK BOOKER
BETTER GET SET was a tragedy beaten at the Sunshine Coast last start. You didn’t have to be eagle-eyed to see that she would have clearly won were it not for the wayward leader that interrupted her passage to the finishing line. No doubt she’s worth sticking with wherever she runs next.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Sunshine Coast Friday May 27
F&M BM60 Handicap 1400m:
MERSEYSIDE
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Samantha Collett
Comment: Looks ready to go third-up following two second placings on the poly track and turf track here. Probably more effective on turf but at least has now had experience on the synthetic surface and is well placed in this company.
Eagle Farm Saturday May 28
Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup 1300m:
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Brenton Avdulla
Comment: No luck at the barrier draw again but will strike a much improved surface here. Class runner and was a Group 2 winner at this track last year.
SCALLOPINI
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Coming off an excellent second in the Group 2 Victory Stakes first-up from a break. Goes up another level here but always rises to the challenge and loves Eagle Farm.
Rosehill Saturday May 28
BM72 Handicap 1200m:
RUBINOCCHI
Joe Pride/Alysha Collett
Comment: Had to work from the wide gate and not surprisingly tired late in stakes grade last start. Drops significantly in class here and drawn to get a more favourable run. Heavy (10) track the query.
Kembla Grange Tuesday May 31
Maiden Plate 1000m:
COOL RECEPTION
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Showed ability in her first campaign despite failing to break through. Gets on to her home track for the first time and has tactical speed.
