4YOs BOMBARDEO and CONTEMPTUOUS ushered in the weekend with a winning double for Proven Thoroughbreds.
The John Bateman-trained BOMBARDEO (pictured) overcame a deteriorating track first-up at Canberra to break his maiden in thrilling fashion, sweeping down the outside fence.
Having shown potential in three unplaced runs last campaign, the son of EL ROCA started a $2.50 favourite in the 1200m maiden with Nick Heywood aboard.
Despite not having run for almost five months, BOMBARDEO proved too strong for his opposition, sustaining a long run from the tail to score by a neck.
“Good win. He travelled sweetly during the race and it was just a matter of when I pushed the button,” Heywood said.
“First-up on a testing track he probably felt the pinch late, but he was too good for them today.”
BOMBARDEO is the first foal from the Group-placed mare FLOWER BOMB (ONE COOL CAT) and was purchased by Proven Thoroughbreds for $NZ67.5k at the 2018 NZB Karaka Book 2 Yearling Sale.
BOMBARDEO’s maiden-breaking win enhances an already potent partnership between John Bateman Racing and Proven Thoroughbreds which now boasts 14 individual winners from 16 runners (87.5% strike rate).
Then at the Sunshine Coast’s night meeting, talented gelding CONTEMPTUOUS made up for some lost time with a dominant first-up performance for the Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted stable.
The son of RUBICK has endured his share of setbacks to date but always shown the stable above average ability. Indeed, Friday’s race was only his fourth start since winning on debut almost two years ago.
A recent trial win suggested CONTEMPTUOUS would be hard to hold out first-up, despite being off the scene for seven months, and the bookmakers took no risks as he started a $1.30 favourite in the 1000m BM58 Handicap.
Ridden confidently by Ben Thompson, the gelding rode a hot speed early but proved too classy for his opposition under a steadier of 60kg.
The official margin was 2.5 lengths and hopefully heralds a change in fortunes for CONTEMPTUOUS’ career.
“He ticked every box we needed him to coming into today,” Thompson said.
“He jumped super and cruised. It was a pretty soft win in the end.”
Proven Thoroughbreds’ tally of winners for 2021 has now climbed to 11, equating to an average of a winner every 3.3 days.