A surprise deluge dulled Day One of The Championships but an improving forecast could see the Randwick track upgrade to the soft range for the much anticipated Queen Elizabeth Stakes meeting.
Proven Thoroughbreds had Joe Pride pair PRIVATE EYE and STOCKMAN running last Saturday but luck was not on our side. PRIVATE EYE was put out of play at the 600m mark of the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes when suffering interference and making contact with the running rail. Fortunately, the horse has pulled up ok (with the exception of a minor abrasion on his near fore leg) and could still take his place in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) back at Randwick on Saturday week.
STOCKMAN had conditions to suit in the Group 2 Chairman’s Stakes (2600m) but was ultimately anchored by a big weight when finishing three lengths astern of the winner SUREFIRE. The son of TAVISTOCK backs up for the third successive week on Saturday in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m), a race in which he started an equal second favourite last year. With significant weight relief and a favourable barrier in five, we are hoping the gelding can put his best hoof forward in the $2 million event.
Proven’s other runners this week include the Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted-trained debutante DEEP UNDERCOVER at Ipswich on Wednesday.
The 2023 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale concluded on Tuesday and Proven was lucky enough to leave with PRIVATE EYE’s half-brother by SHALAA (pictured) for $100,000. Not surprisingly, almost all of PRIVATE EYE’s current ownership group committed to shares prior to the auction.
For all current ownership opportunities please visit our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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BLACK BOOKER
DEEP CLEAN made an absolute mess of the start first-up at Eagle Farm but made up significant ground in the home straight to finish within a 1.6 lengths of the winner. That was only her third career start so fair to say she’s come back a stronger, more mature horse this preparation. A similar effort second-up would see her go close to breaking her maiden.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Ipswich Wednesday Apr 5
QTIS 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate 1200m:
DEEP UNDERCOVER
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: First starter dealt a wide alley around a tight circuit. Has shown decent ability in her trials but will need luck from the gate.
Randwick Saturday Apr 8
Group 1 Sydney Cup 3200m:
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Sam Clipperton
Comment: Proven on the quick back-up and will have no problems at the distance. Perhaps not going quite as well as last preparation but blinkers come off and stays on his preferred wet ground.
Doomben Saturday Apr 8
BM75 Handicap 1200m
THATFEELSBETTER
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Freshened since finishing fifth at Eagle Farm over 1400m. Has been thereabouts in all of four his starts this preparation but failed at his only start at Doomben this time last year.
Sunshine Coast Sunday Apr 9
QTIS 3YO Maiden Handicap 1400m
DEELBREAKA
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Very green on debut and tired late to finish 8 lengths off the winner in a midweek maiden at Eagle Farm. Comes back to provincial grade and expecting to see some improvement.
BETTER YET
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Ready to win. Was third in BM60 company last start despite still being eligible for a maiden. Has placed in all three starts this campaign so must be considered a winning chance here.
