Sire of the moment THE AUTUMN SUN provided Proven Thoroughbreds and the O’Dea-Hoysted stable with another staying winner at Ipswich on Thursday.
Having produced the winners of two Oaks and a Derby in the last month, the staying prowess thrown into THE AUTUMN SUN’s progeny gave us confidence that 3yo gelding SECOND SUN would appreciate a steep rise in distance from 1350m to 1700m in search of his maiden victory.
The writing was on the wall following an eye-catching third at Ipswich on May 11, however barrier 10 in a field of 11 posed obvious problems.
But those concerns were quickly allayed as rider Boris Thornton was able to take up the perfect one-out, one-back position as the favourite KILNA was cast three-wide.
That move proved all the difference as SECOND SUN lasted in a driving finish to defeat KILNA by a half head.
It’s the @bozzathornton show at @IpswichTurfClub!
Second Sun is victorious in Race 5 – and that’s a perfect strike rate for Boris today: three rides for three wins! 🙌@ODeaHoysted pic.twitter.com/pvTNFEcVQh
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 30, 2024
The win completed a race-to-race hat-trick for Thornton, who was suitably impressed by the towering gelding’s effort.
“It’s worked out to be a good day and great to cap it off on this bloke because he’s been knocking on the door,” Thornton said.
“We know he’s still got a lot to learn but the way he travelled today he was a lot more consistent and smoother.
“Once I balanced him up in the straight, he responded well but I still think we’ve got more horse under there. He’s going to be a much better horse next prep.”
SECOND SUN was a $150,000 yearling from Arrowfield Stud’s draft at the 2022 Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale and is Proven’s 6th winner this month, taking our seasonal total to 42.