The Joe Pride-trained KING’S SECRET is set to return to action in Saturday’s Group 3 Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill as he looks to build on an already imposing record.
More widely recognised as the half-brother to high profile stablemate PRIVATE EYE, KING’S SECRET is writing his own story on the racetrack, having won six times in just 11 trips to the races, his latest victory being the Listed Canterbury Stakes (1200m) on New Year’s Day.
Andrew Adkins, who has been aboard the gelding in five of his six career wins, will do the steering from barrier two in a field of a dozen runners.
Elsewhere, the Matt Hoysted-trained HEAD OF THE RIVER gets her chance to break through for an overdue maiden win when she heads to the Sunshine Coast on Friday night, before stablemate SMUDGED takes on BM60 company over 1350m at Ipswich on Saturday.
Proven’s only other runner this week is MOVER AND SHAKER, who is down to contest a 1200m maiden at Kembla’s Saturday fixture for Kerry Parker.
The sales continue to come thick and fast, with the Magic Millions Gold Coast March Sale commencing on Thursday, followed by the Magic Millions Adelaide auction on March 19 and 20.
Information on all of Proven’s latest acquisitions can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – TRAPEZE ARTIST
No need to change the sire on fire from last week because TRAPEZE ARTIST is still running hot. Another stakes winner at Randwick on Saturday (PINITO), a quinella at Flemington (VERDOUX, SHE’S AN ARTIST) and a stakes 2nd placing at Canberra on Sunday (DUCASSE). Only his sire SNITZEL has more stakes winners this season.
BLACK BOOKER – IN FLIGHT
Struck firm ground first-up in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) at Randwick last Saturday and wasn’t beaten far under weight-for-age conditions. Reverts to a handicap in Saturday week’s Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill and if the rain comes, look out.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Sunshine Coast Friday March 13
QTIS 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate 1000m
HEAD OF THE RIVER
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Looked a good thing beaten at Toowoomba last start and gets her chance to atone here from a good gate with a senior jockey on.
Rosehill Saturday March 14
G3 Maurice McCarten Stakes 1100m
KING’S SECRET
Joe Pride/Andrew Adkins
Comment: Returns from a let-up after winning two on the bounce over the summer, including a stakes victory. Drawn to get a soft run, handles all conditions and was unlucky with a big weight over this track and distance first-up last preparation.
Ipswich Saturday March 14
BM60 Handicap 1350m
SMUDGED
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Was doing her best work late when 3rd at the Sunshine Coast over 1200m fresh from a break. Fitter and extra distance suits but some query racing around the tight Ipswich circuit first time.
Kembla Grange Saturday March 14
Maiden Plate 1200m
MOVER AND SHAKER
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Disappointed first-up at the Sapphire Coast when finishing 4th of 5 as an odds-on favourite. Back on her home track and has trialled well here so could improve but needs to.
