Christmas cheer is in the air but there was a tinge of sadness on Tuesday as we bid farewell to a Proven Thoroughbreds stalwart.
SCALLOPINI, the most prolific winner in the history of Proven Thoroughbreds, has been gracefully retired from racing. The 9YO gelding greeted the starter 45 times for 13 wins (6 at stakes level) and 14 placings for more than $1,154,208 in prizemoney.
It was way back in 2016 when Proven paid $200,000 to acquire SCALLOPINI from Yarraman Park’s draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Having raced over an incredible seven seasons, SCALLOPINI has a good case for being the most durable son of SNITZEL ever.
Currently SCALLOPINI is kicking up his heels at Kolora as we begin our search for his forever home.
Turning our attention to this week’s runners, HEYOKA makes her debut at Doomben’s midweek meeting while last start winner LITTLE COINTREAU heads to Wyong on Saturday.
Among Proven’s other starters is five-time winner FETCH who heads to Ipswich on Christmas Eve for a Class 5 Handicap.
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BLACK BOOKER
JET STREAM made a mess of the start but rattled home late to grab fourth on debut at Ipswich last week. Even the slightest inconvenience at the start can be costly in an 800m race so this filly’s fate was sealed virtually when the gates opened. Think she will take a lot from that experience and be much better over a bit further next start.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Doomben Wednesday December 20
QTIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1200m
HEYOKA
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: On debut. Has looked smart in her trials but faces a test from barrier 11. Hopefully has enough early speed to offset the draw.
Gosford Thursday December 21
Maiden Handicap 1000m
COSMONOVA
Joe Pride/Reece Jones
Comment: First-up. Caught wide and tired late at only run to date last preparation. Back to provincial grade from a good draw should yield a better result.
Class 1 & Maiden Plate 1900m
SLIPSTREAMING
Joe Pride/Alysha Collett
Comment: Looked to have her chance last time out when beaten 1.9 lengths over 2000m. Has another wide draw to contend with but expect her to roll forward this time and be put in the race.
BM64 Handicap 1600m
LICHESTER
Joe Pride/Alysha Collett
Comment: Stuck on bravely for third when second-up over 1300m at Hawkesbury. Ready for this trip now and some rain around would greatly enhance her chances.
Eagle Farm Saturday December 23
QTIS 3YO Handicap 1000m
TOWN CRIER
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Bailey Wheeler (a2)
Comment: Not disgraced in open 3YO company last start and meets slightly easier opposition here. Gets in well after the claim and should be at peak fitness now third-up from a break.
Wyong Saturday December 23
Class 1 Handicap 1350m
LITTLE COINTREAU
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Got the job done fresh at Hawkesbury earlier this month. That win snapped a run of four straight placings so consistency can’t be called into question. Chance again.
4YO & UP Maiden Handicap 1300m
AQUATICA
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Hasn’t impressed at the trials but is bred to get much further. Looking for her to be running through the line.
Ipswich Sunday December 24
Class 5 Handicap 1100m
FETCH
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Smart mare who goes well fresh (5:3-0-0) and won a Class 6 Plate here back in February.
Maiden Handicap 1200m
CARTWHEELS
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Bumped into a much more experienced filly on debut and acquitted herself well, holding down second. Can only improve off that and added trip should suit.
