Proven formula strikes again!

Jul 13, 2025

The familiar triumvirate of Proven Thoroughbreds, Joe Pride and Goodwood Farm produced an interstate double on Saturday with in-form gallopers IN FLIGHT and KING’S SECRET.

Following her success in the Listed Bright Shadow (1110m) at Doomben and Listed Bob Charley (1100m) at Randwick, IN FLIGHT completed the rare achievement of three consecutive stakes wins in three different states when ‘flying’ down the middle of the Caulfield straight to claim the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at weight-for-age.

Spotting the leaders some six lengths at the 300m mark, IN FLIGHT unleashed a devastating turn of foot to win by a length eased down, prompting high praise from rider Craig Williams.

“She was favourite for a reason. I probably could’ve sat three-wide and closer and still won,” Williams said.

“Joe (Pride) has really developed her and taught her well, she’s very effective when tracks have a bit more give in the track.

“This is probably the firmest track she’s been on this preparation and she won with a bit of authority today.

“She was a pleasing ride, I could do what I wanted with her…first start around Caulfield, one of the plans I had for her was help her around Caulfield but she towed me around.”

The last horse to win three consecutive stakes races in different states was the legendary BLACK CAVIAR back in 2011 – a comparison that all involved will surely hang their hat on!

Whilst IN FLIGHT will never reach the heights of Australia’s only undefeated racehorse, there are Group 1 ambitions next autumn – namely the Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill and the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) – run over the same course and distance as the Sir John Monash.

It was 12 months ago when the daughter of FLYING ARTIE claimed the BOBS Horse of the Year title after winning three Saturday metropolitan BM72 events over 1100m.

Amazingly, that feat was repeated at Randwick on Saturday when stablemate KING’S SECRET bravely lumped 60.5kg to victory, ensuring the BOBS award will stay in the Joe Pride stable for another year.

A masterful ride by Andrew Adkins positioned KING’S SECRET one-out, one-back from barrier seven in the field of nine and the horse did the rest, hitting the front at the 200m and staving off the challengers to score by half a length.

Adkins, who has been aboard in all four of the KING’S SECRET’s wins, told reporters he still doesn’t know where the 3yo gelding’s ceiling is.

“Joe and the team keep raising the bar and he keeps saying how high,” Adkins said.

“He is going super this preparation. He has really come to and is maturing.

“I was a bit worried going to the gates, that is the calmest he has ever been, I thought if he’d had enough or not.

“But it is just him maturing and switching on and learning to the do the right things and all the basics. He’s got the hang of it and is winning with style now.”

In only his second racing preparation, KING’S SECRET is already moving out of the shadow of his famous older brother PRIVATE EYE, with four wins and three placings from only eight starts. And given IN FLIGHT’s trajectory, there’s every reason to believe KING’S SECRET will also eventually find his way into stakes company.

For now though, Joe has elected to send both horses for much deserved spells after earning their connections $739,440 in prizemoney.

One factor that can’t be underestimated and not immediately obvious is the influence of Kerrie Tibbey of Goodwood Farm who bred and sold KING’S SECRET and IN FLIGHT (along with PRIVATE EYE, and a host of other stars). A small farm consistently producing stakes class horses is no coincidence so naturally we have no hesitation buying any horse with the NT brand.

Saturday’s double elevated Proven’s tally of winners for season 2024-25 to 58.

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