Proven Thoroughbreds is on weather watch again as rain threatens PRIVATE EYE’s bid for the $1.5 million Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick this Saturday.
As of Tuesday morning the Randwick surface was rated an improving soft (6) but the forecast has predicted between 8 and 30mm of rain leading into Saturday. Should the track deteriorate back into the heavy range, we would have to give serious consideration to withdrawing PRIVATE EYE (pictured) from the event.
Unfortunately wet weather is synonymous with Sydney’s autumn carnival – even this year which marked the end of a protracted La Nina climate cycle.
One horse favoured by the recent spate of wet tracks has been STOCKMAN who put in a brave performance last Saturday to finish fifth in the $2 million Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m). He has now been sent for a spell and will return to racing in the spring.
Last start HEDGE FUND also revealed a liking for wet tracks when dominating his opposition at Kembla Grange last month. The Kerry Parker-trained gelding is set to run at Hawkesbury on Thursday.
Proven’s other runners this week include consistent performers FETCH, SECRET TALES and THATFEELSBETTER at Eagle Farm’s Saturday meeting.
This Sunday Proven and Pride Racing will be hosting an open day at the Inglis Riverside Stables, showcasing our 2023 yearlings. The event is scheduled to start at 10am.
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BLACK BOOKER
No black booker this week.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Hawkesbury Thursday Apr 13
F&M Maiden Handicap 1100m
LICHESTER
Joe Pride/Sam Clipperton
Comment: First-up. Unplaced in two runs to date but was only beaten 2.6 lengths first-up over 1200m at Newcastle in October. A more mature filly now coming off two sound city trials.
Maiden Plate 1400m
VEGAS ON FIRE
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Comes off a solid debut over 1200m when third at Newcastle. Always given the impression she will stay so the step up to 1400m looks ideal at this stage of her career.
Provincial Class 1 Handicap
HEDGE FUND
Kerry Parker/Josh Parr
Comment: Ploughed through the heavy conditions for an emphatic win last time, albeit in a four-horse field. Looks well placed in a provincial class 1 field and Josh Parr sticks but will need a touch of luck from the wide gate.
Randwick Saturday Apr 15
Group 1 All Aged Stakes 1400m
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Brenton Avdulla
Comment: Suffered severe interference in the TJ Smith Stakes and that put him out of play. Was a strong fourth in the Newmarket under topweight prior to that. Arguably more effective at 1400m but needs the rain to stay away.
Eagle Farm Saturday Apr 15
BM78 Handicap 1600m/NMW Handicap 1400m
SECRET TALES
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Didn’t quite see out the 1800m last start and comes back in distance now. Ran second in a highly-rated 1600m race two starts ago and was a strong winner over 1350m prior to that. Hasn’t won here since she was a 2YO but has been in good form this preparation.
BM78 Handicap 1000m
FETCH
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Travelled a touch keenly mid-race but still did a decent job to finish on the heels of the placegetters in a strong race. Back in grade and distance looks favourable.
Class 3 Plate 1200m
THATFEELSBETTER
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Freshened since finishing fifth over 1400m here last month. Got within a neck of the winner over this track and distance two starts ago.
Sunshine Coast Sunday Apr 16
Maiden Handicap 1400m
DEEP CLEAN
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Blew the start first-up at Eagle Farm before rattling home into second. Gets a suitable distance rise here and drops back to provincial company. Hard to beat if she jumps on terms.
ROCKATHON
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Ridden too handy in a fast run race on debut and tired late. Can improve up in distance with a more conservative ride.
