A Group 1 runner and a couple of debutantes headline the latest edition of ‘The Week Ahead’.
The Kerry Parker-trained FLYING BANDIT (pictured) will take his place in the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday with Brock Ryan to ride on the 50kg limit. A $20,000 yearling contesting a Group 1 is an achievement in itself but we will be there to win and hopefully take a significant step towards a Melbourne Cup berth.
FLYING BANDIT is in fact one of only two Australian-bred runners in the 2025 Metropolitan field – both of which are by emerging staying sire TRAPEZE ARTIST. This week we published an interesting article about the proliferation of imports in Australia and how TRAPEZE ARTIST could be the sire to revitalise our breeding of stayers (READ HERE).
Also running on Epsom day at Randwick will be FLYING BANDIT’s stablemate OTONO in the 1800m Midway as well as the Joe Pride-trained COSMONOVA, who returns from a freshen-up in the 1200m BM88 in preparation for the Group 3 Nivison Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill next Saturday.
Meanwhile, at Eagle Farm’s midweek meeting, Proven and Matt Hoysted will take the covers off two first-starters – CARPET RIDE and SEISMIC BOOM. Both 3yo fillies have indicated ability in their trials and trackwork but there’s nothing like the cauldron of raceday to test their mettle!
For a full break down of the performances of our runners last week, you can read form analyst Nic Ashman’s SECTIONALS REVIEW article.
Information on all of Proven’s 2025 acquisitions can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – TRAPEZE ARTIST
He’s the sire of the only two domestically-bred runners in this year’s Group 1 The Metropolitan, including Proven’s FLYING BANDIT. He’s also well represented in the Group 1 Flight Stakes with ARTISTIC VENTURE and TUPAKARA both genuine chances of toppling the favourite APOCALYPTIC.
BLACK BOOKER – SECOND SUN
Just missed last time when rising to 1830m third-up, 18 days between runs. A quicker turn around in a similar distance range looks made to order for this gelding. Stick with him.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Eagle Farm Wednesday October 1
QTIS 3YO Maiden Handicap 1000m
CARPET RIDE
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Debutante. Trials have been positive, including a second at Deagon last month. Looks to have struck a reasonably strong maiden so will be interesting to see where she fits in.
QTIS 3YO Maiden Handicap 1000m
SEISMIC BOOM
Matt Hoysted/Rory Hutchings
Comment: First starter coming off a strong Deagon trial win. Gives the impression she will get further but should relish the 1000m tempo on her home track.
Class 5 Handicap 1600m
OCEAN ZAR
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Looked to have her chance last start when finishing a close-up third over 1630m at Doomben. Back marginally in trip suits and all three of her career wins have come at this venue.
Class 5 Handicap 1200m
TOWN CRIER
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Racing consistently without winning in four starts since disposing of Class 4 grade in March. Comes back to midweek company after finishing 5th of nine in a strong Saturday race last month.
Doomben Saturday October 4
F&M NMW Handicap 1350m
HEYOKA
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Ready for this trip after three runs back over shorter distances, the latest of which returned a third in Class 4 company over 1200m. Drawn well to get favours in the run and if she can be produced at the right time will be hard to hold out.
Gold Coast Saturday October 4
Class 4 Handicap 1200m
SHOT OF WHISKEY
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Got his own way in front last start and beat all bar the impressive PARETO. This race looks substantially easier class wise and will give a good sight from the front again.
Randwick Saturday October 4
Midway BM72 Handicap 1800m
OTONO
Kerry Parker/Jay Ford
Comment: Racing like she’s looking for this trip. At her latest run she was only getting warm late over the mile. Stays in the same class and should be ready to do something third-up.
G1 The Metropolitan 2400m
FLYING BANDIT
Kerry Parker/Brock Ryan
Comment: Didn’t have the race run to suit last week over the 1900m and was clearly looking for more distance which he gets here. Up in the big leagues now but plunges 10.5kg in weight. Chance.
BM94 Handicap 1200m
COSMONOVA
Joe Pride/Andrew Adkins
Comment: Drawn wide again so will likely have to go back but has been hitting the line well of late. Looks a nice progression into the G3 Nivison back at Rosehill next Saturday.
