Both THINK ABOUT IT and PRIVATE EYE have drawn the outside gates for their respective assignments at Randwick this Saturday.
The Everest winner THINK ABOUT IT (pictured) resumes in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) while PRIVATE EYE is second-up in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m). The 1000m start is kind for wide draws with just a half turn into the home straight. In stark contrast, they begin turning almost immediately from the 1300m kick off point.
Despite being deserted by lady luck, the pin-up boys for Proven remain favourites with the bookies.
At this stage, THINK ABOUT IT has a date with FANGIRL in the George Ryder Stakes following the Canterbury Stakes while PRIVATE EYE is likely to go a month between runs into the TJ Smith Stakes.
At the Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne this week, we concluded our business with six yearlings including two by THINK ABOUT IT’s sire SO YOU THINK, a stallion renowned for producing incredibly versatile stock. The colt out of ASHEERAH is sold out however some shares remain in the filly from RAVEN’S RABBIT. More details on our latest purchases can be found on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE (STILL) ON FIRE
We made WRITTEN TYCOON our sire on fire off the back of RAIKOKE’s win in the Zeditave Stakes last Saturday and see no reason to change that after SOUTHPORT TYCOON’s Group 1 Australian Guineas triumph. The Yulong-based stallion now has 13 individual Group 1 winners, three of which are out of MORE THAN READY mares (SOUTHPORT TYCOON, COOLANGATTA & LA LUNA ROSSA). That same cross is evident in the WRITTEN TYCOON x SHE’S DEMANDING filly we purchased at Magic Millions earlier this year.
BLACK BOOKER
OCEAN ZAR didn’t quite see out the mile at Eagle Farm last Saturday. She recorded just the 5th best last 200m of the race after producing some slick sectionals from the 600m to 200m. Look for her to improve sharply back in trip next run.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Grafton Thursday March 7
Class 1 Handicap 1175m
POLARISING
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Looker
Comment: Got through the heavy conditions off a 23-week break when resuming at the Sunshine Coast as the $1.26 favourite. Might have been the confidence booster she needed and possibly should’ve won second-up last prep.
Maiden Handicap 1400m
TRAVIATA
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Looker
Comment: Was our blackbooker from last week given we didn’t feel she was suited at Ipswich. Bigger track here and run before that, where she clocked the fastest last 200m of the race, stacks up well for this
Hawkesbury Saturday March 9
Maiden Plate 1100m
FLYING BANDIT
Kerry Parker/Brock Ryan
Comment: First starter. Trials have been very encouraging but obviously raceday pressure represents a new challenge. Drawn the middle which looks ideal.
Ipswich Saturday March 9
BM65 Handicap 800m
UNDERHAND
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Loves the 800m at Ipswich where she hasn’t missed the quinella in three runs. Returned with a resounding win here in slightly easier grade but she smashed the class benchmark by nearly 5 lengths suggesting this is well within her reach.
Ipswich Saturday March 9
BM65 Handicap 800m
UNDERHAND
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Loves the 800m at Ipswich where she hasn’t missed the quinella in three runs. Returned with a resounding win here in slightly easier grade but she smashed the class benchmark by nearly 5 lengths suggesting this is well within her reach.
Randwick Saturday March 9
G1 Canterbury Stakes 1300m
THINK ABOUT IT
Joe Pride/Sam Clipperton
Comment: Winner of 11 from 13 and yet to be beaten in four first-up runs. Beat a hot field when resuming last prep and has trialled nicely ahead of his return. Wide gate a small concern from this tricky start-point but our jockey has only tasted defeat once in 10 starts on this horse.
G2 Challenge Stakes 1000m
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Nash Rawiller
Comment: Two-time Everest placegetter that gave Kiwi star Imperatriz the fright of her life first-up in the G1 Lightning Stakes. Has the ability to run amazing sectionals and the wide gate gives Nash options.
Listed Randwick City Stakes 2000m
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Reece Jones
Comment: Run off his feet over 1400m fresh from an 8-week let-up. Drops in weight and jumps to 2000m, which will suit him immensely. The old boy is a 3-time Listed winner from just 7 starts and might be one at odds.
