Proven Thoroughbreds and the Joe Pride stable will launch a three-pronged attack on Saturday’s meeting at Randwick.
ACCREDITED, IN FLIGHT and COSMONOVA form the trio, all of which have strong claims in their respective races.
A hat-trick of wins awaits ACCREDITED if he can dispose of a small field in the 1400m BM88 event, while IN FLIGHT, a starter in the 1200m BM88, is knocking on the door after two encouraging runs back from a spell.
COSMONOVA’s path to the first Saturday metropolitan meeting for the year hasn’t been as straightforward as her two stablemates. An incident in the barriers saw her withdrawn from her scheduled first-up run at Warwick Farm last month. The well-bred daughter of ZOUSTAR has since been back to the trials and with a record of four wins from only seven starts, looks well placed from an ideal barrier over her pet distance of 1100m.
On the sales front, inspections are well underway on the Gold Coast ahead of the 2025 Magic Millions Yearling Sale, which commences on January 7 and ends on January 13. As usual, Proven Thoroughbreds will be active and you can keep up to date on all new ownership opportunities by subscribing to our mailing list HERE.
SIRE ON FIRE – VADAMOS
A fruitful New Year’s Day saw this underrated sire bag a Group 2 winner, a pair of Group 2 placegetters, and winners in Hong Kong and NZ. From limited numbers and opportunities, VADAMOS is doing a good job for a stallion with a $9000 service fee.
BLACK BOOKER – TAKE A BOW
Found the 800m around Ipswich a bit sharp first-up but really stretched out late to finish within 2.25 lengths of the odds-on favourite. That should provide the perfect grounding for her to step up to a 1000m race next start. The lightly-raced 3yo filly was an impressive winner on debut during the winter and looks to have more wins in her future.
BET WITH NIC
Our times analyst Nic Ashman is currently on annual leave so his popular weekly tip as well as his audio previews for owners is on hiatus until the end of the month. Nic’s last tip was a holiday-season three leg multi that would have saluted were it not for the dangerous conditions of the Sydney to Hobart race which forced the retirement of long time leader COMANCHE. But we will still call it a loss! Nic’s record now reads 18 collects from 29 selections.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Randwick Saturday January 4
BM88 Handicap 1400m
ACCREDITED
Joe Pride/Josh Parr
Comment: Has been nearly flawless this preparation and maps to get favours in the run against a small field here. Untried at 1400m and rises in class but is in white hot form.
BM88 Handicap 1200m
IN FLIGHT
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Looks ready to win following two sound runs in tougher company than this. Drawn the outside and rises to 1200m for the first time but is poised to go close if she can get an economical run in transit.
BM78 Handicap 1100m
COSMONOVA
Joe Pride/Reece Jones
Comment: Was a well supported favourite first-up at Warwick Farm but was a late scratching after rearing in the gates. Has trialled well since and is building an imposing record. Can win with even luck.
Sunshine Coast Sunday January 5
Maiden Handicap 1200m
ROCK THE SUNRISE
Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Finished a solid fourth here at only start back in September. Can only be better for that experience and trials have been positive. However may be looking for a touch further to show his best.
