Day 1 of The Championships at Randwick looms large with Proven Thoroughbreds set to be represented by the familiar Joe Pride-trained pair PRIVATE EYE and STOCKMAN.
PRIVATE EYE lines up in the $3 million Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) while STOCKMAN is scheduled to have his final Sydney Cup lead-up run in the Group 2 Chairman’s Handicap (2600m).
The track was officially rated a soft (6) on Monday afternoon. With the exception of scattered storms predicted for Tuesday, the weather forecast leading into Saturday is mostly fine.
Proven’s other runners this week include HEDGE FUND at Kembla on Tuesday and the debutante VEGAS ON FIRE at Newcastle on Thursday.
The Inglis Easter Yearling Sale is also on our doorstep, with the first lot due to go under the hammer next Monday.
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BLACK BOOKER
No black booker this week.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Kembla Grange Tuesday Mar 28
Maiden Plate 1200m:
HEDGE FUND
Kerry Parker/Josh Parr
Comment: Racing well. Couldn’t reel in a tearaway leader last time. Did a power of work prior to that and finished fourth. Deserves to break through.
Eagle Farm Wednesday Mar 29
Maiden Handicap 1200m:
DEEP CLEAN
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: First-up. Though winless, showed ability in her initial preparation which included a third at the Sunshine Coast on debut. Will need luck from a wide gate and is probably better suited over a touch further.
Class 5 Handicap 1838m:
SECRET TALES
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Nikita Beriman
Comment: Ran home resolutely into second in a brutally run mile last start where they broke the track record. Any rain about would significantly enhance her chances.
Class 6 Handicap 1000m:
STELLAR MAGIC
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Jaden Lloyd (a1.5)
Comment: Dropped back to Class 3 company last outing and proved much too good for her opposition. Drawn the rails again gets in well with 55.5kg.
Newcastle Thursday Mar 30
Maiden Handicap 1200m
VEGAS ON FIRE
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: First starter coming off two unplaced trials. Likely to need much further than 1200m to produce her best so prefer to watch for now.
Randwick Saturday Apr 1
Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes 1200m
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Brenton Avdulla
Comment: Ran on well under topweight to finish fourth under handicap conditions in the Newmarket. Meets all his opposition better at the weights here and was a close runner-up in The Everest over this course and distance second-up in the spring.
Group 2 Chairman’s Handicap 2600m
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Sam Clipperton
Comment: Race wasn’t run to suit last time and he was outsprinted in a dash home. A more genuine tempo and a slightly softer track could see him bounce back in what looks a much easier race.
Doomben Saturday Apr 1
BM70 Handicap 1615m:
MERSEYSIDE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Got too far back in an on-pace dominated affair last start but hit the line sweetly, 2.8 lengths astern of the winner. Looks ready for a mile now and is in career best form.
Sunshine Coast Sunday Apr 2
Maiden Plate 1200m:
ROCKATHON
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: On debut. Pierro 3YO gelding given time and has shown steady improvement in each of his barrier trials. Likely to be looking for further than 1200m but hoping to see him running on late.
