PRIVATE EYE and STELLAR MAGIC (pictured) spearhead our team of runners this week, with the former set to run in the Group 2 Queensland Guineas and the latter, the Listed Dalrello Stakes.
The Joe Pride-trained PRIVATE EYE is one of the early favourites for Saturday’s Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm. The son of AL MAHER will appreciate the set weights conditions of the race having lumped 4.5kg over the limit when runner-up in the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) at Randwick on April 17.
Proven Thoroughbreds last won the Queensland Guineas with SIR MOMENTS back in 2014. In a thrilling finish, the son of CHOISIR poked through in a blanket finish as noses and heads separated the first five horses across the line. See the race replay below:
STELLAR MAGIC will also attempt to emulate the deeds of SIR MOMENTS in the Dalrello Stakes (1000m) for co-trainers Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted. It will be the filly’s first crack at stakes company, having won twice and placed twice in four career starts.
Other runners of note this week include ENRIQUE, who was unlucky not to have finished closer at Ipswich last time out. The son of SEBRING is set to run at the Sunshine Coast on Friday night where he will be chasing a third win from his last four outings.
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BLACKBOOKER
STOCKMAN is ready to fire following two excellent runs back from a spell. First-up he ran home strongly into third over 1550m and then was again doing his best work late over 1800m on ANZAC Day. The talented stayer is likely to head to Gosford for the Gold Cup (2100m) on May 8. He should be hard to beat in that event, particularly if the track is rain-affected.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Goulburn Tuesday April 27
Class 2 Handicap 1200m:
MACCOMO
Joe Pride/Blaike McDougall
Comment: Resuming. Normally takes a couple of runs to hit his stop, owning to his on-pace racing style but has struck a winnable race here with a top rider engaged.
Sunshine Coast Friday April 28
BM62 Handicap 1400m:
TOO HOT TO HOLD
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Baylee Nothdurft
Comment: Should be ready to show something out to this trip. Third-up last prep she finished second on a soft (7) over this track and distance.
Class 2 Handicap 1800m:
ENRIQUE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Had to go back from the wide draw at Ipswich and was left with too much to do but powered home late to get within 1.1 lengths of the winner. Won here two starts back over a mile and gives the impression 1800m will be right up his alley.
Eagle Farm Saturday May 1
Group 2 Queensland Guineas 1600m:
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Brenton Avdulla
Comment: Gave the winner 4.5kg when running on into second in the South Pacific Classic. He was three-wide (with cover) there while the winner enjoyed a soft lead. Will appreciate a genuine run mile at Eagle Farm.
Listed Dalrello Stakes 1000m:
STELLAR MAGIC
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Determined win from back in the field last time out. Building an imposing record and deserves her chance at some black type.
BM75 Handicap 1400m:
MISSED THE ALARM
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Baylee Nothdurft
Comment: Stayer resuming but shown she is capable of sprinting well fresh. First-up last prep she got within 1.1 lengths of the winner over 1400m on the Gold Coast.
Bathurst Sunday May 2
Maiden Handicap 1400m:
CAPTURED IN TIME
Joe Pride/Jean Van Overmeire
Comment: Looks ready for 1400m following two solid runs over shorter trips in provincial maiden company.
Sunshine Coast Sunday May 2
QTIS 2YO Maiden Plate 1200m:
MERSEYSIDE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Strong debut winner over 1200m at the Gold Coast on April 17. Really picked up late there suggesting longer trips would suit. Stays at 1200m but will enjoy the bigger track here and hopefully the tempo is genuine.
Ipswich Monday May 3
BM65 Handicap 1200m/Class 2 Handicap 1350m:
SO YOU SHOP
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Travis Wolfgram
Comment: Fought gamely two starts back to finish second to a smart one but just plugged at latest run. Last win came at this track.
2YO Fillies Maiden Handicap 1100m:
COME CLEAN
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Baylee Nothdurft
Comment: Scratched from Beaudesert last Monday due to a minor illness. Has shown ability from the get-go, just needs to bring her trial form to raceday.
