The lightly raced THATFEELSBETTER looks set to deliver on his early promise this preparation with a strong first-up win at the Sunshine Coast on Friday.
First-up since November, the son of BETTER THAN READY beat a small but select field in the 1000m QTIS 3YO Class 3 Handicap.
Despite travelling keenly during the middle stages, THATFEELSBETTER (pictured as a yearling at Magic Millions) tracked into the race beautifully for Boris Thornton and raced away over the final furlong to score by 1.8 lengths, with stablemate KARAOKE QUEEN – also raced by Proven Thoroughbreds – hitting the line well in third.
Co-trainers Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted have long held a healthy opinion of THATFEELSBETTER, and Friday night’s result enhanced his career stats to two wins and two placings from just five starts.
The hulking gelding will have ample opportunity to expand on that record in coming weeks as he builds in fitness and steps out to slightly longer distances.
Later in the evening, Proven’s third runner SECRET TALES, resumed with an eye-catching third in the 1200m Class 2 Handicap.
The daughter of SPILL THE BEANS made headlines 12 months ago for a record breaking 18-length win at the Gold Coast but had managed only one win in five subsequent starts.
However it would appear she is back on track this time in and will be better suited once she rises to her preferred distance of 1400m.
Proven Thoroughbreds now has 44 winners for the 2021-22 season, 13 of which have been recorded since the start of the year.