Proven Thoroughbreds is on weather watch in Brisbane this week as millionaire mare IN FLIGHT attempts to claim another Group 2 scalp on Saturday.
Winner of the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last start, IN FLIGHT (pictured) will take on the boys at weight-for-age in the Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm.
The race is undoubtedly the toughest she has contested to date however the prospect of a rain-affected track puts her right in the mix.
Though she was able to win on a good (4) surface in the Sapphire Stakes, IN FLIGHT’s eight other career victories have been on soft or heavy tracks.
As of Wednesday morning the Eagle Farm track was rated in a soft (7) with 4-20mm predicted leading into Saturday.
Proven will also be represented by the Matt Hoysted filly CHAMPAGNE LANE at Brisbane’s feature meeting.
Other runners of note this week include FLYING BANDIT, who will be looking to arrest a form slump when he defends his Listed Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) crown on Friday.
The application of blinkers for the first time and an ideal 6-day turn around can hopefully conjure a much needed win for the talented stayer.
But before heading to Wagga on Friday, trainer Kerry Parker will saddle up a trio of chances at his home track of Kembla on Wednesday. Last start winner BANG ON TIME, debutante SOUTHERN GRACE and the promising BROADWAY STREET all look set to run well, particularly with top class rider Nash Rawiller booked to ride the latter two.
A special mention must go to our Victorian trainer Charlotte Littlefield who bagged her first Flemington double last Saturday and did so in style. A visually stunning performance by CONCORD CONNIE saw the filly post a monster 6 length win after coming from last. Then stable favourite BIG SWINGER conquered 1400m for the first time in his burgeoning career with a gritty win in the BM100 event.
Information on all of Proven’s latest acquisitions can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – SHAMUS AWARD
Winning a 2000m Group race in your first preparation is an exceptional effort and that transpired on Saturday as SHAMUS AWARD’s son IMPULSIVE REACTION took out the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes at Morphettville. The 3yo gelding becomes SHAMUS AWARD’s 33rd career stakes winner and 5th for the 2025-26 season.
BLACK BOOKER – BREAK FREE
Came from back in the field to just miss over the 1200m at Doomben when returning from a let-up. She’s much better suited at Eagle Farm and will be at peak fitness next time out.
RUNNERS THIS WEEK
Kembla Grange Wednesday April 29
3YO Maiden Handicap 1000m
SOUTHERN GRACE
Kerry Parker/Nash Rawiller
Comment: First starter fitted with a couple of private jumpouts this time in. Always an unknown quantity with horses on debut but based on breeding she may find the 1000m a bit sharp.
Provincial 3YO Maiden Handicap 1200m
BROADWAY STREET
Kerry Parker/Nash Rawiller
Comment: Resuming. Finished just behind the placegetters at only start in a 1300m maiden at Hawkesbury during the summer. Was well backed that day and has the home track advantage here. Will likely get back from the outside gate but could have the final say here.
Class 1 Handicap 1300m
BANG ON TIME
Kerry Parker/Chad Lever
Comment: Coming off a determined maiden-breaking win at Newcastle earlier this month over 1250m. Never easy coming out of maiden grade but she’s shown above average ability from day one and should be at the top of her game being third-up from a spell.
Ipswich Wednesday April 29
Class 5 Handicap 1200m
SHOT OF WHISKEY
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Race wasn’t run to suit when finishing 4th over the 1100m here on April 16. Can only improve second-up and comes down in weight.
Wagga Friday May 1
L Wagga Gold Cup 2000m
FLYING BANDIT
Kerry Parker/Jay Ford
Comment: Made some ground late over 1800m at Randwick last Saturday but hasn’t been at his best since winning this race last year. Gets the same set-up this year on a 6-day back up with Jay Ford on from a favourable barrier. Perhaps blinkers first time can spark something?
Eagle Farm Saturday May 2
G2 Victory Stakes 1200m
IN FLIGHT
Joe Pride/Jake Bayliss
Comment: Looking like she is going to get some give in the ground but comes up against some hardy sprinters under weight-for-age conditions. Will likely go back from the draw and if the speed is on she will be rattling home down the outside.
BM70 Handicap 1200m
CHAMPAGNE LANE
Matt Hoysted/Jason Collett
Comment: Got within 0.85 lengths of the winner despite having no luck around Doomben first-up. Fitter and the wider spaces of Eagle Farm will suit. Also gets the services of a top interstate jockey.
Newcastle Saturday May 2
Midway BM64 Handicap 1900m
WILD THOUGHTS
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Didn’t have a great deal of room in the home stretch before finishing 6th of 11 over 1500m at Kembla. Up sharply in trip now.
