Stradbroke week has arrived and Proven Thoroughbreds is hoping to be double-handed in the $1.5 million showpiece.
PRIVATE EYE (pictured) will carry the number one saddlecloth with a topweight of 57kg while SCALLOPINI is on the fringe of the field as first emergency.
Queensland’s flagship race is one which we would dearly love to win so having two chances in the race would certainly be our preference. In case SCALLOPINI does not get a run, the alternative is the Listed Wayne Wilson, a mile contest run under weight-for-age conditions.
Meanwhile in Sydney, SNIPPY FOX returns from a spell in the Listed Bob Charley Stakes (1100m) at Randwick in search of some valuable black type. The Joe Pride-trained mare has earned a shot at stakes company following six wins and six placings in just 18 starts.
Another runner of interest this week is the resuming FETCH, who lines up as favourite in a 3YO benchmark race at Doomben on Wednesday. An impressive winner at the track last preparation, it is hoped she can progress to a Saturday win and hopefully stakes grade at the back end of the QLD carnival.
Last Saturday was a momentous occasion for connections of STROLL as they witnessed the daughter of SNITZEL win the Listed Bill Carter Stakes (1200m) for co-trainers Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted. A $450k yearling, the most expensive ever purchased by Proven Thoroughbreds, justified her price tag with an exhilarating win. She is now set to contest another stakes race over 1400m back at at Eagle Farm on June 25.
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BLACK BOOKER
CHILLI JAM did a good job on debut in a strong 2YO midweek race at Warwick Farm last week. The daughter of HELLBENT officially finished 6th, beaten more than 8 lengths but she was back and wide on a heavy (9) surface and stuck to the task well for an inexperienced horse. Joe Pride-trained 2YOs are never wound up for their first run so she performed above expectations. She has gone for a spell now and can come back a stronger horse as a 3YO next season.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Doomben Wednesday June 8
QTIS 2YO Maiden Plate 1350m:
AFFECTIONATE
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Has improved with each barrier trial, winning her latest heat by 1.75 lengths last week. Straight to 1350m on debut but has a good grounding for this and will appreciate being at Doomben where the track is likely to be on the soft side.
3YO BM70 Handicap 1050m:
FETCH
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Talented filly resuming off the back of a dominant trial win last week. Has won first-up, won over this distance and won at this track. Leading chance.
Class 5 Handicap 1050m:
RED RUBI
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Back from a freshen after winning well at the Sunshine Coast in April. Races well when her runs are spaced and is a three-time winner at the distance.
Eagle Farm Saturday June 11
Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap 1400m:
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Brenton Avdulla
Comment: Outstanding run in the Kingsford Smith when wide throughout. Jumps from the inside here so will get a much more economical run in transit this time. Class runner.
SCALLOPINI (1EM)
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Had a favourable run in the Kingsford Smith and tried his heart out to finish only two lengths off the winner. Plunges 5.5kg in weight which could be enough to overturn that margin. Just needs a scratching to make the final field.
Listed Wayne Wilson 1600m:
SCALLOPINI
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Been a while since we’ve seen him over a mile but doubt it will be an issue for him as an older, more seasoned horse. Will be well placed in this company.
Randwick Saturday June 11
Listed Bob Charley Stakes 1100m/BM78 Handicap 1000m
SNIPPY FOX
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Consistent mare kicking off a winter campaign. Handles wet tracks and makes her own luck but might be a run short in terms of fitness.
Gold Coast Saturday June 11
3YO BM65 Handicap 1800m:
MERSEYSIDE
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Last start winner ready for this distance rise after two runs over 1400m. Can position closer in the run and be hard to beat.
