Emerging stayer FLYING BANDIT took another step forward in his burgeoning career with a narrow but decisive victory in the 1800m BM78 at Hawkesbury’s metropolitan meeting on Wednesday.
The big TRAPEZE ARTIST gelding, a bargain $20,000 purchase from Magic Millions Adelaide in 2022, made it 5 wins from just 10 starts rising from 1400m second up. However, the win wasn’t without its hurdles.
The 4yo threw rider Jay Ford on the way to the start, then played up in the gates after earlier kicking out in the float on the way up from Kembla taking skin off his hind fetlock.
Trainer Kerry Parker, whilst delighted with the win, felt the conduct could have been a result of the horse being too fresh, given he was a chance of making the Provincial/Midway Championship Final on Saturday, accepting as second emergency.
“I was a little light on him not knowing whether we’d get a start in the 1400m Final so he was just too well today,” said Parker.
“Was very pleasing to see that determination in the finish of the race. Halfway up the straight I thought he’d get there so onwards & upwards and I think that mannerism will settle down with more racing.”
Flying Bandit FLIES down the outside to win at Hawkesbury! 💨@kjparkerracing pic.twitter.com/nENBZkRPAy
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 9, 2025
Rider Jay Ford was very complimentary despite the gelding’s pre-race shenanigans.
“I’m confident he’ll go beyond 2000m. I think he’s a horse that whatever you throw at him he’ll adapt. He’s won on firm today, he’s won on soft, he’s won on heavy so he’s a racehorse, he’s a winner and he’s got a great record.”
Kerry will let the dust settle before determining the gelding’s next start, but suffice it to say he’ll be tackling longer races in better class. The win was Proven’s 39th for the 2024/25 season.
