Always gratifying if not relieving when maidens shed that dreaded status. So, having two in one day at Eagle Farm is something to crow about especially when it lifts prizemoney earned for the season above the $10m mark.
First it was TOWN CRIER who announced himself with a tradesman-like debut in the Juvenile Colts and Geldings Maiden under a confident Boris Thornton. The SPIRIT OF BOOM gelding sat at the leader’s wheel before dashing clear, responding well to strong riding to land the money over 1200m.
Then several races later, OCEAN ZAR put maidens behind her, maintaining a sustained surge from the rear to emphatically dispense with her dozen rivals. The rangy daughter of Zoustar had put the writing on the wall with a couple of eye-catching prior runs, relishing Wednesday’s 1400m trip on the big stretches of Eagle Farm.
Both gallopers look to have a future at metropolitan level with co-trainer Matt Hoysted particularly buoyant about their prospects.
“We have an opinion of both these horses. OCEAN ZAR will just continue to improve being a big, scopey filly who’s taken time. And we think TOWN CRIER will go through his grades pretty quickly.”
For the record, TOWN CRIER cost $160,000 from the Magic Millions January Yearling Sale, a most attractive colt and the first foal of Stakes placed CHOISIR mare TELL ME, while OCEAN ZAR was an absolute bargain at just $20,000 from the 2021 Inglis Easter Sale.
The double saw Proven break through the $10 million prizemoney barrier for the first time in a season. With a month to go on the 2022-23 term, Proven’s winners tally stands at 44.
