Seven days ago the Proven colours soared to new heights with THINK ABOUT IT’s dominant victory in the Stradbroke but it was a humble non-Tab fixture that provided our sole Saturday winner.
Three year old filly DEEP UNDERCOVER had not found the placegetter’s stall in a trio of prior runs, so trainers Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted identified the 1350m QTIS Maiden as an ideal target. Under an inspired ride from stable apprentice Emily Lang, the daughter of DEEP FIELD clung on desperately to win by the barest of margins.
The finish actually fooled plenty of observers including the on course race caller who was convinced that second place Callywag had nosed out DEEP UNDERCOVER but as Emily said;
“Coming down to the winning post she started to hang out, getting a bit tired but luckily she stuck on and got the win today.”
The victory was Proven’s 40th for the season and 29th in the 2023 calendar year on a day that saw stablemate BETTER GET SET run a game 2nd in the Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic at Ipswich.
The consistent 5YO was forced into the uncharacteristic role of leader, jumping from an awkward gate in a slowly run race, so the effort was meritorious. Her next winning turn is surely not far off!