Runners in three states has set the stage for a busy Everest/Caulfield Cup day for Proven Thoroughbreds.
For the first time since 2021, Proven won’t have a contestant in The Everest. PRIVATE EYE (pictured), a two-time placegetter in the world’s richest turf race, will be swapping Randwick for Caulfield when he takes his place as favourite in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes (1400m). Nash Rawiller, who has been aboard the gelding in his last three victories, will again be in the saddle on Saturday, foregoing Randwick’s most lucrative raceday.
The fly in the ointment is, once again, a wide barrier. PRIVATE EYE’s uncanny knack of drawing wide gates will see him jump from nine of 11. The $12 million earner still holds favouritism around the $2.50 mark as of Wednesday evening.
In PRIVATE EYE’s Randwick absence, Proven will be represented by FLYING BANDIT in the St Leger Stakes (2600m), a race won by our warhorse STOCKMAN in 2022 en route to his unlucky 8th in the Melbourne Cup (3200m). FLYING BANDIT will also have to contend with a tricky barrier, drawing the outside of 11. The Kerry Parker-trained gelding is looking to bounce back from his 10th in The Metropolitan a fortnight ago.
Rounding out our tri-state representation on Saturday is the Matt Hoysted duo SECOND SUN and OCEAN ZAR. Both are poised to run well on their home track at Eagle Farm.
Then on Sunday at the Sunshine Coast, Hoysted saddles up CHAMPAGNE LANE, who resumes from a spell after an impressive debut win as a juvenile during the winter.
For a full break down of the performances of our runners last week plus an early look at the main races this weekend, you can read form analyst Nic Ashman’s SECTIONALS REVIEW article. It’s worth noting that six months ago Nic identified AUTUMN BOY and SIR DELIUS as future stars of the track. In the last fortnight both have won Group 1 races.
Information on all of Proven’s 2025 acquisitions can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – PER INCANTO
Bagged a 2yo stakes winner (EUROCANTO) at Flemington two Saturdays ago and then followed it up with another stakes winner last weekend in NZ (TWAIN). He also got within 0.15 lengths of siring the winner of the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1400m) at Caufield as EVAPORATE just missed TRANSATLANTIC. And this Saturday PER INCANTO will be represented by JIMMYSSTAR in The Everest.
BLACK BOOKER – SMUDGED
Travelled just off the pace with blinkers on first time at the Sunshine Coast last Friday and loomed into the race strongly, only to have a run shut in front of her at the 250m. Worked home once clear into third but for an inexperienced horse, to have her momentum interrupted at the business end of the race proved fatal to her chances. She’s gone for a break now but will be winning more races with natural improvement.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Randwick Saturday October 18
St Leger Stakes 2600m
FLYING BANDIT
Kerry Parker/Jay Ford
Comment: Over-raced in the middle stages of The Metropolitan and that told late. Was rising from 1900m to 2400m there so that might be the conditioning run he needed for this. Will likely have to get back from the outside draw but he appreciates galloping room.
Caulfield Saturday October 18
G3 Moonga Stakes 1400m
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Nash Rawiller
Comment: Class runner well placed under the set weights and penalties conditions and still racing with plenty of zest as an 8yo. Drawn wide again but there’s a good deal of speed engaged so can hopefully slot in just behind the leaders.
Eagle Farm Saturday October 18
Class 3 Plate 1810m
SECOND SUN
Matt Hoysted/Jag Guthmann-Chester
Comment: Scratched last Saturday due to a minor setback but has recovered quickly and should be at peak fitness now fourth-up from a spell. Narrowly beaten over this track and trip last start.
Class 6 Handicap 1600m
OCEAN ZAR
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Broke a run of outs in winning a Class 5 handicap over this track and distance last start. Yet to produce consecutive wins in her 22-start career but gets her chance from barrier one with only 54kg to carry.
Newcastle Saturday October 18
BM72 Handicap 1890m
OTONO
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Struck a fast run 1800m Midway last time and just laboured to the line. Appeared to resent being between horses there so if she can get some clear galloping room she can win this on best form.
Sunshine Coast Sunday October 19
BM58 Handicap 1000m
CHAMPAGNE LANE
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Immediately spelled following a strong debut win over this track and trip in May. Looks to have picked up from where she left off based on recent trials and gets in well with 56.5kg.
