STOCKMAN will take his place in a third successive Sydney Cup when the evergreen galloper heads to Randwick this Saturday.
“Stocky” is a great example of the longevity challenges that face staying horses in Australia. A Group 3 winner that has a Group 1 placing from nine attempts at the elite level and is yet to run a place in five starts at Group 2 level, STOCKMAN will carry 55kg in the 2024 Sydney Cup. He was beaten almost 4 lengths in last year’s Sydney Cup with 54.5kg.
This year he will give 3.5kg to Group 1 winner MAJOR BEEL and the horse that beat him easily last Saturday in the Chairmans Stakes, CIRCLE AND FIRE. The problem is exacerbated by lack of options.
There is only one WFA race at Group 1 level over more than 2040m in Sydney and Melbourne every year – the Tancred Stakes (2400m). Horses like STOCKMAN are essential to our industry, providing adequate options for them to ensure they stay racing is essential.
Whilst he may not get his preferred heavy track on Saturday, he has drawn well in 8 of 17 and is proven on the one-week back-up.
Meanwhile this Sunday (April 14) at Inglis Riverside will be the first of our 2024 Open Days. This year we are combining both our Joe Pride and Kerry Parker yearlings. More details on this event HERE.
Then on the following Sunday (April 21), Kolora Lodge will host our Steve O’Dea-Matt Hoysted Open Day. More details on this event HERE.
Earlier this week the final major yearling sale of the season – Inglis Easter – concluded and Proven left with a bargain priced SNITZEL colt for Kerry Parker. Purchased for just $50,000, the colt sold out within 24 hours. He’s settled into Thenford Farm in the Southern Highlands of NSW where he will soon begin the breaking-in process.
Friday’s set of trials at Warwick Farm will see PRIVATE EYE stretch his legs in an 800m heat as he prepares for the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) on Saturday week at Randwick after wet weather scuppered plans to run in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) last Saturday.
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SIRE ON FIRE – TRAPEZE ARTIST
A sire we have ample time for chalked up a Group race double on Day 1 of The Championships last Saturday. DUCASSE won the Group 3 ATC Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) while FACILE took out the Group 3 ATC PJ Bell Stakes (1200m). It might be a far cry from The Championships but our TRAPEZE ARTIST gelding, FLYING BANDIT, made it back to back wins at Kembla on Tuesday. He demolished his rivals by three lengths and earned himself a break with bigger things ahead (Read story HERE).
BLACK BOOKER
OCEAN ZAR relished going back in distance last weekend at Eagle Farm but unfortunately couldn’t get a clear crack at them in the straight. We’ve found the key to her and will target similar races. All we need is some luck!
BET WITH NIC
After successfully tipping CELESTIAL LEGEND in the Doncaster Mile, our resident times analyst Nic Ashman is backing ATISHU to make it back-to-back wins in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) this Saturday.
“She was terrific in the Blamey Stakes then found the pace too hot in the Australian Cup. She will thrive coming back to 1600m and she’s only 4th-up here”.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Ipswich Wednesday April 10
BM68 Handicap 1350m
CARTWHEELS
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Justin Huxtable
Comment: Won her only start here by five lengths and has loftier targets ahead of her this prep. Will be disappointed if she doesn’t go close here.
Sunshine Coast Friday April 12
3YO Maiden Plate 1600m
TRAVIATA
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Justin Huxtable
Comment: Stepped up to the mile last start and wasn’t disgraced on soft going. Best figures are on dry tracks and could be an improver.
Class 3 Plate 1200m
HANG FIVE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Justin Huxtable
Comment: Disappointing first-up off a moderate tempo but he’s a better horse with the speed on. More pace engaged here, look for a better run.
Maiden Plate 1200m
SECOND SUN
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: He’s a big, raw son of Caulfield Guineas winner THE AUTUMN SUN, who should appreciate further in time. His trials have been solid and we expect him to be even better under raceday conditions.
Randwick Saturday April 13
Group 1 Sydney Cup 3200m
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Reece Jones
Comment: Lining up in his third Sydney Cup and comes through the Chairmans Stakes, which has provided 15 of the last 30 Sydney Cup winners. Not well treated at the weights but can give some cheek.
Doomben Saturday April 13
Open Quality 1350m
OCEAN TREATY
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Cejay Graham
Comment: Resumes and typically takes a run each prep to find form. That said, she was third when fresh last prep in a high rating race and could surprise here.
Sunshine Coast Sunday April 14
QTIS 3YO Maiden Handicap 1200m
MOONFLEET
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Justin Huxtable
Comment: On debut and placed in a recent trial. Has improved since then and should be in the mix here.
