SPIN DOCTOR put his hand up for the $500,000 QTIS 2YO Jewel with an impressive debut victory at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted-trained gelding had some six lengths to make up in the home straight but proved strongest at the end of the 1000m QTIS Jewel Prelude.
Jockey Brodie Loy negotiated an awkward barrier by obtaining cover midfield in a three-wide line and SPIN DOCTOR did the rest, defeating ZELGARIA by half a length.
“He’s not the finished product yet. When he hit the front, he pricked his ears and had a good look around so it’s great to know there is more improvement there,” Loy said post-race.
“He’s got a lovely attitude and I can’t wait to see what he can do in races to come.”
With $72,500 banked from the win, SPIN DOCTOR has secured a start in the $500,000 QTIS Jewel (1200m) at Doomben in two weeks’ time. O’Dea and Hoysted know what kind of horse it takes to win the 2YO feature, having won it last year with SHE’SGOTTHEBOOM.
Proven Thoroughbreds is hoping to be double handed in the Jewel, with SHOT OF WHISKEY – another recent debut winner – also eligible for a start.
Whether one, both or neither take their place in the event will depend on how they train over the next week.
SPIN DOCTOR, a son of first season sire TRAPEZE ARTIST, was a $240,000 yearling purchase from Kenmore Lodge’s draft at the 2022 Inglis Classic Sale.
He represents Proven’s 17th winner since January 1 and 28th for the 2022-23 season.