Spring is most certainly in the air with both PRIVATE EYE and KING’S SECRET set to face the starter in Group 2 events at Randwick this Saturday.
PRIVATE EYE lines up in the Tramway Stakes (1400m) looking to go one better than last year while KING’S SECRET kicks off his spring campaign in the Concorde Stakes (1000m) against the cream of the crop of sprinters.
But before The Everest carnival gets underway on Saturday, Proven and Pride Racing will have representation at the midweeks in the shape of PROXIMA CENTAURI, who contests the staying event following a 2nd placing at Gosford last Friday.
Our team of runners this week is rounded out by the Matt Hoysted pair MELTDOWN (Gold Coast) and HEAD OF THE RIVER (Toowoomba) on Saturday. Hoysted and Proven celebrated a Saturday metropolitan victory last week when tough gelding TOWN CRIER flew home to claim the 1000m Open Handicap at Eagle Farm (CLICK HERE to read more).
This week’s SECTIONALS REVIEW article breaks down how TOWN CRIER has potentially reinvented himself as a backmarker, a Joe Pride-trained 3yo to back next start, plus a futures tip for the Underwood Stakes later this month.
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 – STAY INSIDE
Bagged his fourth winner for the new season last Saturday via impressive 3yo HARRY LIME. Significantly, that victory was over 1400m and follows a stakes winner for the sire over the same distance during the Brisbane winter carnival. If his progeny can prove themselves to be more than just sprinters, many doors will be open in 2026-27.
BLACK BOOKER – NOT ON MY WATCH
Kicked off his career in a small but competitive maiden at the provincials last week and lost no admirers in finishing 2nd. After initially being restrained, he took off early and was simply asked to do too much on debut and not surprisingly was vulnerable late. Think if you swap the runs with the winner he comfortably turns the tables.
RUNNERS THIS WEEK
Warwick Farm Wednesday September 2
BM72 Handicap 2200m
PROXIMA CENTAURI
Joe Pride/Andrew Adkins
Comment: On the quick back up after eating into the margin of a dominant winner at Gosford last week. Extra 100m appears as though it will pose no problems for her and gives the impression a quick turn around on her home track will be to her advantage.
Randwick Saturday September 5
G2 Tramway Stakes 1400m
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Nash Rawiller
Comment: Ran 2nd to PERICLES in this last year and goes into this year’s edition in similar form. Will be on pace again and hard to run past.
G2 Concorde Stakes 1000m
KING’S SECRET
Joe Pride/Andrew Adkins
Comment: First-up and finds himself in the big leagues now. Usually takes a couple of runs to come to hand anyway so expecting him to need this hit out before targeting some second tier sprints later in the spring.
Gold Coast Saturday September 5
Class 3 Handicap 1400m
MELTDOWN
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Simply did too much work second-up over 1350m last start and compounded late. The run prior had merit and the extra 50m suits here. Fitter and capable of bouncing back in this grade.
Toowoomba Saturday September 5
Maiden Plate 1125m
HEAD OF THE RIVER
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Remains a maiden from eight trips to the races but has been reasonably consistent with five of those runs returning top four finishes. Comes back from metropolitan grade and was an unlucky 2nd at her only start her during the summer.
