It’s Melbourne Cup week and there’s simply no better time of year in racing.
While Proven won’t be represented in Melbourne during the Flemington carnival, a swathe of runners will step out in NSW and QLD, including the evergreen PRIVATE EYE in the $3million Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) – a race he won in 2022 and finished the narrowest of seconds to BELLA NIPOTINA in 2023.
Melbourne Cup day at Randwick will see the return of stablemate ACCREDITED (pictured) in the $300,000 Choisir Handicap (1100m). The 6yo gelding’s short term target this preparation is the $1million Group 2 The Hunter (1300m) at Newcastle on Saturday November 15.
Also resuming from a break this week is the Kerry Parker-trained ELIVINA. The now 4yo mare was on the cusp of a Queensland Oaks berth in her first racing preparation so we are looking forward to seeing how far she can progress this preparation.
Parker is also set to take the covers off SNITZEL colt HINZEL, who makes his race debut at Kembla on Melbourne Cup day.
Meantime in Brisbane, CHAMPAGNE LANE’s unblemished record goes on the line with trainer Matt Hoysted entering her for races at Eagle Farm on Saturday and Cup day. The 3yo filly has won her two starts to date in impressive style.
It was most pleasing to see TOWN CRIER’s consistency rewarded with his sixth career win at Eagle Farm last Wednesday while SHOT OF WHISKEY posted a third consecutive runner-up finish with another brave effort at Doomben three days later.
For a full break down of the performances of our runners last week plus an early look at the Melbourne Cup, 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 – FASTNET ROCK
The cream generally rises to the top at this time of year and that was the case last Saturday with the late, great FASTNET ROCK. Not only did he quinella the Cox Plate (VIA SISTINA & BUCKAROO) but also sired the Sale Cup winner (EL ROCKO), Geelong Cup runner-up (GILDED WATER). We were also reminded why he is the best broodmare sire in the country via the Red Anchor Stakes winner (NAPOLEONIC) and the Premier Bowl winner in Hong Kong (TOMODACHI KOKOROE).
BLACK BOOKER – SHOT OF WHISKEY
Remains winless this campaign but racing in career best form by virtue of three consecutive second placings for an aggregate beaten margin of 1.3 lengths. In all three of his defeats he has led at a solid clip and been collared late. If he can get any sort of breather in front next time, he will be hard to beat.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Doomben Wednesday October 29
Maiden Handicap 1350m
TINTAURA
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Third-up rising to 1350m should be ready to show something following two sound efforts over 1200m. Untried on heavy but both the dam and sister were adept in the wet.
Randwick Saturday November 1
Russell Balding Stakes 1300m
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Nash Rawiller
Comment: Grand campaigner coming off an easy win in Group 2 company at Caulfield a fortnight ago. Comes back 100m against some sharp sprinters and has his usual wide gate to contend with but has won and been beaten a pimple in this race previously.
Eagle Farm Saturday November 1
3YO Handicap 1000m
CHAMPAGNE LANE
Matt Hoysted/Damien Thornton
Comment: Unbeaten filly rising to city company for the first time. Drawn awkwardly in eight so much will depend on the speed of the race and if she can get an economical run.
Randwick Tuesday November 4
3&4YO BM64 Handicap 1300m
ELIVINA
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Progressed a long way in her first preparation, almost earning a start in the Queensland Oaks. Trials have been good this preparation and although she will be better suited over much further, she has a touch of class.
BM100 Handicap 1100m
ACCREDITED
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Stakes class galloper resuming from a spell. 1100m short of his best but always seems to run well first-up and has an adaptable racing style.
Kembla Grange Tuesday November 4
Class 1 Handicap 1400m
ELIVINA
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Progressed a long way in her first preparation, almost earning a start in the Queensland Oaks. Trials have been good this preparation and although she will be better suited over much further, she has a touch of class.
Maiden Plate 1000m
HINZEL
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: SNITZEL colt on debut. Green but shown ability in two recent trials here. Will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure of raceday.
Eagle Farm Tuesday November 4
3YO&4YO BM68 Handicap 1000m
CHAMPAGNE LANE
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Unbeaten filly rising to city company for the first time. Drawn awkwardly in eight so much will depend on the speed of the race and if she can get an economical run.
Sunshine Coast Tuesday November 4
Class 2 Handicap 1000m
TAKE A BOW
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Still missing the start which again proved costly last time as she finished fifth of eight over this track and distance on October 10. At this point can only be taken on trust.
