IN FLIGHT heads a team of five runners for Proven Thoroughbreds this week as we look to break a frustrating run of second placings.
Since STOCKMAN’s brave second in his jumps debut at Warrnambool on April 29, we’ve endured another four runner-up finishes, two of which were decided by less than 0.1 lengths!
IN FLIGHT (pictured) is one of those looking to go one better when she heads interstate for the Listed Bright Shadow Stakes (1110m) at Doomben. The Joe Pride-trained mare is in fine fettle and will relish the wet conditions that have become synonymous with Brisbane racing over the last few months. She will also be our fourth single figure odds stakes runner in the last two weeks.
Our other starter on Doomben 10,000 day will be NAVAL TRADER for Matt Hoysted. The popular grey is set to line-up in the 1350m BM78 Handicap in search of his fifth career win from 19 starts.
Elsewhere, ICONIC TREASURE makes his first appearance for the Kerry Parker stable at Randwick on Wednesday, with a long term plan of qualifying the gelding for midway races next preparation.
This week’s SECTIONALS REVIEW (authored by form analyst Nic Ashman) takes a look at GIGA KICK’s surprise defeat in the Group 1 Goodwood at Morphettville.
Information on all of Proven’s 2025 yearlings can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – DUNDEEL
It was DUNDEEL last week and we see no reason to change that after he produced his seventh female stakes winner for the season last Saturday in the shape of LITZDEEL. Incredible to think he was once recognised as a stallion that couldn’t get a good filly. How things can change in the breeding world! Coincidentally, LITZDEEL is actually related to the WRITTEN BY x SUDDEN WEALTH filly we have a small number of shares remaining in.
BLACK BOOKER
COLUMBIA BLUE did a terrific job on debut, clocking the second fastest last 200m of the day when finishing second in the 1000m maiden. The overall time was quick, they gapped third and he was a touch wayward in the straight. He doesn’t need to improve much to be winning next start.
BET WITH NIC
Our times analyst Nic Ashman will be publishing his popular best bet for Saturday’s racing on Friday. Last week his tip BARBER won the Gosford Takeover Target Stakes at double figure odds.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Randwick-Kensington Wednesday May 14
BM72 Handicap 1250m
ICONIC TREASURE
Kerry Parker/Jay Ford
Comment: Couldn’t quicken from an on pace position when a distant third over this track and trip last time. Drawn awkwardly here and would probably prefer a drier surface but rarely runs a bad race.
Ipswich Wednesday May 14
Class 4 Handicap 1200m
CARTWHEELS
Matt Hoysted/Damien Thornton
Comment: Had to change course a couple of times in the straight when running on into sixth over 1200m at Eagle Farm on April 26. Can atone back in grade, as long as there is good early speed in the race and she can get to the outside.
Gold Coast Saturday May 17
BM58 Handicap 1050m
ZATANNA
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Disappointed last start when unplaced as favourite over 860m at Gatton. Up to 1050m now suits but needs to recapture her form from last preparation.
Doomben Saturday May 17
BM78 Handicap 1350m
NAVAL TRADER
Matt Hoysted/Josh Parr
Comment: Copped a check at a crucial point last start and took no part thereafter. More than capable of bouncing back in this grade from an ideal draw. Beaten in the shadows of the post over this track and distance only three starts ago.
L Bright Shadow Stakes 1110m
IN FLIGHT
Joe Pride/Jason Collett
Comment: In form mare bursting to win after two narrow defeats. Gets a wet track, soft draw and ready to peak third-up. Great chance to snare a valuable black type win.
