Proven Thoroughbreds is on weather watch this week, with a host of runners nominated across several venues.
After a wet and wild week in south east Queensland, greater Sydney is now copping a lashing from the weather gods, which has forced us to be nimble with our race programming.
The Joe Pride-trained MIND BENDER is set to make her debut at Gosford on ANZAC Day. Joining her on the truck up the Pacific Highway will be KING’S SECRET (pictured) – the half-brother to PRIVATE EYE.
The Randwick-Kensington track is also hosting an ANZAC fixture where Proven will be represented by 5yo geldings ICONIC TREASURE and LITTLE COINTREAU.
On Saturday, our contingent of runners is led by FLYING BANDIT who lines up in the 1800m BM94 Handicap at Randwick ahead of a potential Wagga Cup tilt on May 2.
This week’s SECTIONALS REVIEW (authored by form analyst Nic Ashman) takes a look at JIMMYSTAR’s All Aged Stakes triumph as well as the merits of having a 1400m horse at the top level in Australia.
Information on all of Proven’s 2025 yearlings can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – OLE KIRK
Vinery Stud announced this week that OLE KIRK will be standing for a fee of $99,000 next season. This represents a $44,000 jump from his 2024 fee but after a stellar first season the increase is certainly justified. Three stakes winners among 10 individual winners has him in the box seat to claim the first season sires’ premiership.
BLACK BOOKER – IN FLIGHT
Didn’t get her preferred wet track conditions at Canterbury on Easter Monday but ran very well to beat all bar the talented PISANELLO in benchmark 94 company. That was her first run since early January and she generally improves with racing. Trainer Joe Pride will be chasing wet tracks with her over the winter which may see her back in stakes grade.
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
Doomben Wednesday April 23
Class 5 Handicap 1200m
TOWN CRIER
Matt Hoysted/Luke Dempsey
Comment: Racing in career best form having won his last two in Saturday grade. Proven weight carrier and maps to get favours from barrier two. Won here first-up with the same jockey on.
Ipswich Thursday April 24
3YO BM65 Handicap 800m
ZATANNA
Matt Hoysted/Damien Thornton
Comment: Resuming. Impressive winner over this course and distance on debut and has placed in three of her four subsequent runs. Top chance.
Murwillumbah Friday April 25
Maiden Plate 1100m
OF COURSE
Matt Hoysted/Simon Miller
Comment: First-up. Didn’t fire at his only run last preparation so prefer to see for now but does have the benefit of an inside barrier.
Beaudesert Friday April 25
Maiden Handicap 1100m
OF COURSE
Matt Hoysted/Justin Stanley
Comment: First-up. Didn’t fire at his only run last preparation so prefer to see for now but does have the benefit of an inside barrier.
Randwick-Kensington Friday April 25
BM72 Handicap 1250m
ICONIC TREASURE
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Just laboured under the big weight last start. Drops 2.5kg for this and drawn to get an economical run from barrier two. Capable of bouncing back.
BM78 Handicap 1400m
LITTLE COINTREAU
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Struck a brutally fast race first-up from an extended lay-off but was still doing his best work late, running on strongly into fourth. Step up to 1400m ideal and is yet to run a bad race in his 14-start career.
Gosford Friday April 25
Super Maiden Plate 1000m
MIND BENDER
Joe Pride/Andrew Adkins
Comment: Was all set to debut here earlier this month before officials called the meeting off due to an unsafe section of the track. Very green in both lead up trials but looks to have some ability. Wants a fast run race to help her settle.
Maiden Plate 1100m
KING’S SECRET
Joe Pride/Andrew Adkins
Comment: Placed in both runs to date, including a third behind subsequent stakes winner SHANGRI LA SPRING. Has looked good at the trials and with natural improvement from his first preparation, he won’t be a maiden for much longer.
Randwick Saturday April 26
BM94 Handicap 1800m
FLYING BANDIT
Kerry Parker/Jay Ford
Comment: Talented horse going up steeply in grade but has more upside than most of his opposition here. Just needs to navigate a path from barrier one and he will be in the finish.
Newcastle Saturday April 26
Super Maiden Plate 1500m
ELIVINA
Kerry Parker/Chad Lever
Comment: Caught the eye on debut with a fast-finishing third in a slowly run 1400m event at Kembla. The extra 100m here only aids her chances as well as added fitness levels.
Eagle Farm Saturday April 26
Class 3 Plate 1200m
CARTWHEELS
Matt Hoysted/Nikita Beriman
Comment: Loomed up to win last time but couldn’t quite reel in the leaders after they crawled through the first 600m in 37.77 seconds. Drawn 14 of 16 but will likely get back again anyway and the bigger field should generate more tempo.
BM78 Handicap 1400m
NAVAL TRADER
Matt Hoysted/Ron Stewart
Comment: Honest galloper coming off an uncharacteristic run over this track and distance when beaten more than three lengths after seemingly having every chance. The first-up run prior to that was very good so worth forgiving.
Goulburn Monday April 28
Maiden Handicap 1500m
ELIVINA
Kerry Parker/Chad Lever
Comment: Caught the eye on debut with a fast-finishing third in a slowly run 1400m event at Kembla. The extra 100m here only aids her chances as well as added fitness levels.
