This week Proven Thoroughbreds and trainer Kerry Parker will attempt to qualify FLYING BANDIT for the $1million Provincial-Midway Championships Final.
FLYING BANDIT returns from a break in Saturday’s $150,000 Qualifier at Kembla, having won four of his eight career starts. Though his best form has been over a mile and beyond, the timing of the race has allowed for Parker to roll the dice on his home track and give the gelding a chance of making the final with a top two finish on Saturday.
ICONIC TREASURE, MOONLIGHT GAMBLER and MOONFLEET round out Proven’s other runners for the week while a trio of Pride gallopers – LITTLE COINTREAU, IN FLIGHT and MIND BENDER are scheduled to trial at Warwick Farm on Friday.
Meanwhile, at the recently concluded Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Proven acquired a pair of fillies for Pakenham trainer Charlotte Littlefield. The Adelaide sale has been a happy hunting ground for Proven with graduates including PRIVATE EYE ($62,500), IN FLIGHT ($220,000), FLYING BANDIT ($20,000). Details on our latest two purchases from Adelaide below:
LUCKY VEGA x LIMERICK FLAME filly
Our first open day for 2025 will be conducted on Sunday March 30 at a new location – Thenford Farm in the NSW Southern Highlands – in conjunction with the Joe Pride and Kerry Parker stables. The start time will be 11am. As this event includes catering, RSVP is essential. Clients old, new and prospective are all welcome. To register your attendance, please get in touch via our CONTACT US page.
This week’s SECTIONALS REVIEW article includes an early look at this Saturday’s Golden Slipper plus a run down on the performances of our recent runners.
Information on all of Proven’s 2025 yearlings can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – TRAPEZE ARTIST
Seven winners and a stakes placegetter in the space of eight days has propelled Widden’s sire to the top of the third season sire premiership and this Saturday marks the return of Proven’s promising TRAPEZE ARTIST 4yo FLYING BANDIT.
BLACK BOOKER – OTONO
Trainer Kerry Parker has sensibly sent this mare to the spelling paddock on a high after winning her last two starts at Wyong and Kembla. In her latest victory, she defeated benchmark 64 rivals in a time that was only 0.8 lengths slower than the Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic (1600m) on the same day. With a record that now reads 6:3-1-0, this 4yo mare is one to follow next preparation once she gets out to 1600m and beyond.
BET WITH NIC
Our times analyst Nic Ashman will be publishing his popular best bet for Saturday’s racing on Friday.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Wyong Wednesday March 19
BM72 Handicap 1200m
ICONIC TREASURE
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Put in an uncharacteristically poor run last start when finishing 4.5 lengths from the winner at Warwick Farm. Normally a very consistent type, he’s worth a forgive run and is afforded an inside draw here which should be advantageous.
Newcastle Thursday March 20
Maiden Handicap 900m
MOONLIGHT GAMBLER
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Just collared late when beaten 0.2 lengths first-up over 1000m at Kembla. Back to 900m looks like it will be in his favour but has drawn the outside in a field of nine so will need a touch of luck to go one better.
Kembla Grange Saturday March 22
Provincial-Midway Championship Qualifier 1400m
FLYING BANDIT
Kerry Parker/Nick Heywood
Comment: First-up. Won four from eight and looks to have more upside than most of his opposition here. Best form is over further but has the class to give this a shake.
Eagle Farm Saturday March 22
BM85 Handicap 1400m
NAVAL TRADER
Matt Hoysted/Jack Martin
Comment: Just pipped on the line first-up when having to make a sustained run around Doomben. Much better suited to Eagle Farm and has drawn to settle in a stalking position. Yet to miss a place in four second-up attempts.
Sunshine Coast Sunday March 23
Class 2 Handicap 1400m
MOONFLEET
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Got mobile late first-up over 1200m then had no luck going to 1400m second-up. Should be peaking fitness wise now and was a winner when third-up last campaign.
