Proven Thoroughbreds will be chasing another $100,000 Inglis Xtra bonus prizemoney cheque this Friday with an unraced 3yo filly.
After WILD THOUGHTS secured the lucrative bonus at Kembla last Saturday, the Matt Hoysted-trained HEAD OF THE RIVER (pictured) gets her chance for a big payday in the 1000m Super Maiden at Coffs Harbour. Aiding her cause is barrier three and the fact she has shown a good level of ability in her trials.
It would be some result for the filly to win back her $100,000 purchase price plus the $22,000 prizemoney purse at her first start so here’s hoping!
However before that, ELLE HUDSON races on his hometrack at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, in search of an overdue win after two luckless runs at Canterbury. On the same day at Doomben, IMPERIAL RED, which we race in partnership with Cambridge Stud, looks to break his maiden.
Our final runner for the 2024-25 season will be ZATANNA at Ipswich on Thursday. Then on Sunday, newly-turned 3yo EMPHATIQUE (by PIERATA) will make her racetrack debut at the Sunshine Coast.
Nic Ashman’s SECTIONALS REVIEW and SATURDAY TIP articles are currently in hiatus until Group 1 racing resumes next month.
Information on all of Proven’s 2025 yearlings can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – SO YOU THINK
Six winners on a Saturday, five at metropolitan level, is something you only see from the top tier stallions like SO YOU THINK. With 161 winners this season, he is on track to finish 6th on the 2024-25 general sires premiership. At $44,000, his 2025 service fee represents great value.
BLACK BOOKER – ALDEZOR
Travelled very keenly first-up over 1300m at Kembla and would have been no surprise to see his run peter out over the final stages but to his credit, the gelding kept coming to finish 5th. Once the penny drops for this horse, he’s going to win some races.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Warwick Farm Wednesday July 30
BM72 Handicap 2200m
ELLE HUDSON
Joe Pride/Alysha Collett
Comment: Not a lot has gone right this preparation. Beaten margin misleading at his last two and looks ready to fire on his home track, particularly if the forecast rain arrives.
Doomben Wednesday July 30
QTIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1350m
IMPERIAL RED
Matt Hoysted/Damien Thornton
Comment: Doubt he was comfortable at the tight-turning Beaudesert when finishing runner-up as favourite fresh from a spell. Better for that experience, will be fitter and has drawn well.
Ipswich Thursday July 31
BM65 Handicap 1100m
ZATANNA
Matt Hoysted/Luke Dempsey
Comment: Freshened since disappointing at the Sunshine Coast 7 weeks ago. Caught in the worst part of the track on that occasion and was a winner at her previous start so worth a forgive run.
Coffs Harbour Friday August 1
Inglis Xtra Super Maiden Handicap 1000m
HEAD OF THE RIVER
Matt Hoysted/Damien Thornton
Comment: On debut after impressing in all of her trials to date, particularly on July 3 when leading throughout and skipping clear to win by almost three lengths in soft (6) conditions. Needs to produce on race day now.
Eagle Farm Saturday August 2
F&M Class 6 Plate 1200m
OCEAN ZAR
Matt Hoysted/Andrew Mallyon
Comment: Consistent mare resuming from a spell. Loves racing at Eagle Farm but generally takes a run or two to come to hand so look for her to be running on late.
Sunshine Coast Sunday August 3
QTIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1200m
EMPHATIQUE
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: First starter. Has indicated ability in her trials and should appreciate the spacious Sunshine Coast track. Lack of race experience the obvious query.
