The Championships is over for another year but there is still top class racing to be had at Randwick over the Easter weekend which could see Proven Thoroughbreds represented by the promising FLYING BANDIT.
Trainer Kerry Parker (pictured) is currently mulling over the possibility of throwing FLYING BANDIT in the deep end against some seasoned Group 1 performers in the Listed JRA Plate (2000m) on Saturday. The 4yo gelding has won five of his 10 starts, including a slashing victory at Hawkesbury earlier this month. As of Wednesday evening, there was one scratching (FAWKNER PARK) from Saturday’s contest. FLYING BANDIT’s chances of running in the $250,000 race will largely depend on if there are any further scratchings. Two possible alternative races are a BM78 (1800m) at the Kensington track on ANZAC Day and a BM94 (1800m) at Randwick the following day.
Meanwhile, our other NSW trainer Joe Pride, welcomes back LITTLE COINTREAU to the races this Wednesday on his home track of Warwick Farm. The ever consistent gelding has only finished out of the money twice in 13 career starts and on both of those occasions, he finished within two lengths of the winner!
Then at Canterbury’s Easter Monday meeting, stablemate IN FLIGHT also returns from a spell. The reigning BOBS Horse of the Year lines up in the 1100m BM94 Handicap with regular rider Jay Ford aboard.
It was most pleasing to see MOONLIGHT GAMBLER – another Pride galloper – record consecutive wins with a gritty performance at Kembla last Tuesday. The son of RUBICK has endured his fair share of setbacks but now boasts a very respectable record that currently reads two wins and two placings from five starts. You can read more about his most recent victory here: THE GAMBLER SHOWS HIS HAND!
At last week’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, Proven Thoroughbreds was able to secure three yearlings for an aggregate spend of $510,000 which was only $60,000 more than the sale average. A full wrap of our Inglis Easter acquisitions can be viewed HERE.
This week’s SECTIONALS REVIEW (authored by form analyst Nic Ashman) singled out TREASURETHE MOMENT’s Oaks win as the highlight of Day 2 of The Championships last Saturday.
Information on all of Proven’s 2025 yearlings can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – DUNDEEL
We are starting to see something very interesting with DUNDEEL. Since his first crop hit the track in 2017, the prevailing trend has been a significant skew towards his male offspring. However this season there has been a noticeable shift towards his female progeny which may be partly explained by breeders having a better understanding of the type of mares to mate with DUNDEEL. Of DUNDEEL’s eight stakes winners this season, five have been fillies or mares including last Saturday’s Group 3 Auraria Stakes winner CINCH.
BLACK BOOKER – ELIVINA
Staying bred filly that could have hardly done more on debut at Kembla Grange. Stepping out over 1400m, the 3yo daughter of SAXON WARRIOR really knuckled down late to grab third in a slowly run race. She can only improve over further next start.
BET WITH NIC
Our times analyst Nic Ashman will be publishing his popular best bet for Saturday’s racing on Friday.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Warwick Farm Wednesday April 16
BM72 Handicap 1200m
LITTLE COINTREAU
Joe Pride/Benjamin Osmond (a3)
Comment: Ultra consistent gelding returning from a spell. Proven fresh (4:2-0-1) and was a close runner-up at his only run here last year. Only query is 1200m.
Gold Coast Saturday April 19
Maiden Plate 1100m
OF COURSE
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: First-up. Didn’t fire at his only run last preparation so prefer to see for now.
Randwick Saturday April 19
L JRA Plate 2000m
FLYING BANDIT
Kerry Parker/Jay Ford
Comment: Talented horse taking on the big boys now. Has more upside than most of his opposition however is poorly weighted relative to benchmark ratings.
Canterbury Monday April 21
BM94 Handicap 1100m
IN FLIGHT
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Classy mare resuming from a short break. Has looked sharp in her recent trials and has drawn well for her first go around Canterbury. Any rain would greatly enhance her chances.
