Bonny mare IN FLIGHT starts her autumn preparation this Saturday at Randwick as the Sydney autumn carnival gathers momentum.
The astutely placed 5yo has greeted the judge eight times in 20 starts, three of those being black type victories. Trainer Joe Pride now looks to give her opportunities in higher grade stakes events beginning with the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) at weight-for-age.
Two of her 5yo female stable mates, THE BLACK CLOUD and COSMONOVA also step out on the day giving the Proven team a distinct girl power.
Meantime FLYING BANDIT tries to notch one up for the boys in Sunday’s Listed Canberra Cup (2000m). Whilst on the same day up north, MELTDOWN goes for three in a row at the Sunshine Coast.
The Queensland stable will also send out SMUDGED, OCEAN ZAR, HEAD OF THE RIVER and debutante, SOLOACT across the weekend, pending weather and barriers.
A busy week also saw the staging of the Melbourne Premier Sale where 5 yearlings were purchased. For a summary of our latest additions CLICK HERE.
Information on all of Proven’s latest acquisitions can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
For news and exclusive offers you can SUBSCRIBE to our mailing list.
SIRE ON FIRE – TRAPEZE ARTIST
The underrated TRAPEZE ARTIST finished February with a bang. A trio of Black Type victories followed January’s Group 3 Widden Stakes. The PARRAMATTA CUP, another Group 3 scalp was next on Feb 21, and then last Saturday the Group 2 Sweet Embrace was complemented by the Listed Lex Piper in Perth.
BLACK BOOKER – BANG ON TIME
Debuted Tuesday at Kembla Grange in demanding heavy conditions but displayed admirable grit after being galloped on, to run on strongly into second place behind a much fitter, metropolitan-placed rival.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Newcastle Friday March 6
Maiden Plate 1200m
IN CIRCLES
Joe Pride/Chad Schofield
Comment: Found the line strongly on debut and steps up 200m here a fortnight on. Should also be suited by the bigger track so looks a great chance.
Sunshine Coast Friday March 6
F&M BM60 Handicap 1400m
SMUDGED
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Kept her consistent record intact with a solid performance first up on this track indicating the extra 200m will suit.
Randwick Saturday March 7
G2 Challenge Stakes 1000m
IN FLIGHT
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Quality sprinter confronting the silk department here. Lovely draw but probably needs affected ground to be competitive under the WFA scale.
THE BLACK CLOUD
Joe Pride/Sam Clipperton
Comment: Arguably out-graded under these conditions in a G2 but fit, very consistent and in rare form.
G3 Wenona Girl Qty 1200m
COSMONOVA
Joe Pride/Andrew Adkins
Comment: Chasing elusive Black Type to boost her superb pedigree. Hitherto this company has been frustratingly just out of reach. It’s now (this campaign) or never.
Eagle Farm Saturday March 7
BM70 Handicap 1400m
OCEAN ZAR
Matt Hoysted/Fiona Sandkuhl (a3)
Comment: Loves this track and distance but tackling the 1400m trip first up. As a six-year-old mare, winless fresh, may just need this run.
Canberra Sunday March 8
Listed Canberra Cup 2000m
FLYING BANDIT
Kerry Parker/Jay Ford
Comment: Already has one country cup under his belt but facing this 2000m journey second up so will likely be improved by the run.
Sunshine Coast Sunday March 8
QTIS 3yo Maiden Handicap 1000m
HEAD OF THE RIVER
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Put the writing on the wall when very unluckily defeated at Toowoomba last start. If the meeting proceeds on a rain soaked course proper she gets a great chance to break through.
QTIS 3yo Maiden Handicap 1300m
SOLOACT
Matt Hoysted/Jag Guthmann-Chester
Comment: An unlikely runner on a significantly affected track but has been well schooled for this 1300m assignment at his first start. Looks a potential stayer but capable of running boldly if it’s not too wet.
BM70 Handicap 1600m
MELTDOWN
Matt Hoysted/Jag Guthmann-Chester
Comment: His stalling career has taken a turn for the better with two consecutive victories. Again astutely placed so looks a top chance if the rain holds off and he can get some luck from a wide gate.
