Racing’s a funny game. So reliant on luck and the synergy of variables coming together to produce desirable results. But when you’re hot you’re hot!
Proven’s scalding winter of 2024 will abate soon enough however Friday at Queanbeyan revealed it may not be quite over yet. Trainer Kerry Parker, who’d put the polish on triumphant debutante TAKE YOU THERE just 24 hours prior, coaxed enigmatic mare SLIPSTREAMING to her second victory in the 2000m Class 1 & Maiden.
A masterful ride from the underrated heavyweight jockey Nick Heywood was instrumental in the 5yo mare’s form reversal after being beaten a combined total of 35 lengths in her three previous runs.
“Nick actually rode her a kilo over at 58 but he’s a head start and well worth it,” said a beaming Parker after the narrow victory.
Great start to the day at Queanbeyan for @NickHeywood8 as he rides a patient race aboard @kjparkerracing‘s Slipstreaming, with the daughter of Contributer working home along the inside to win for @ProvenTbreds.@KarakaChat @MapperleyStud @anz_news @TTRAusNZ @picnic_racing pic.twitter.com/fkmgj3ffJR
— Elite Racing Services (@andrewn1976) July 19, 2024
Heywood was typically modest in his summary of the race.
“Didn’t work out the way I wanted. She missed the kick and had to put one on her out of the gates just to get her to travel. Was then able to get some cheap runs, we cut the corner and she probably just outstayed them. Well placed.”
A bargain $37,000 purchase from the 2021 COVID affected Karaka Sale in NZ, the rising 5yo became the second CONTRIBUTER to salute in the Proven colours in 48 hours. LITTLE COINTREAU, another NZ reared 4yo, showed some ticker when winning on the Randwick Kensington track Wednesday for Joe Pride and Nash Rawiller.
SLIPSTREAMING becomes our 6th victor in 6 days, 58th for the season and 38th since January 1. Given the volatile nature of Lady Luck, one can only hope that ours isn’t all used up before the spring!