Just the three runners for Proven Thoroughbreds this week however two of those will be at stakes level in the space of 24 hours.
The Kerry Parker-trained FLYING BANDIT ventures to Wagga on Friday for the $200,000 Listed Gold Cup (2000m) for which he is the early favourite despite suffering defeat at Randwick last Saturday. The 4yo gelding will certainly relish getting up to 2000m and has drawn to get an economical run.
Then at Hawkesbury’s standalone meeting on Saturday, reigning BOBS Horse of the Year IN FLIGHT (pictured) will attempt to earn her first slice of black type in the $200,000 Listed Gold Rush (1100m) following a slashing run first-up when second to PISANELLO at Canterbury. Fortunately, it would appear the Joe Pride mare will get her preferred wet track conditions with the surface rated a heavy (9) on Wednesday.
Also on Saturday, SHOT OF WHISKEY returns from a let-up in the 1200m BM78 at Eagle Farm, though has been dealt a horror draw in 16 of 16.
That trio will look to continue some momentum for the black and lime green after KING’S SECRET and ELIVINA recorded their first career wins at Gosford and Newcastle respectively.
But undoubtedly, the highlight last week was STOCKMAN’s jumps debut in the opening race of Warrnambool’s famous three-day carnival. Under the tutelage of respected jumps trainer Symon Wilde, STOCKMAN ran an absolute bottler in the 3200m maiden hurdle, finishing a gallant second to THROUGH IRISH EYES after a two-horse war down the straight. Although victory would have been preferred, the performance confirmed our grand campaigner has a promising future in jumps races.
This week’s SECTIONALS REVIEW (authored by form analyst Nic Ashman) highlighted yet again why the 3yo fillies have been the dominant force in Australia this season.
Information on all of Proven’s 2025 yearlings can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – TASSORT
Newgate’s young gun stallion is really starting to hit his straps now. His daughter AMEENA almost became just the second 3yo filly since 2010 to win the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes when beaten a neck at Morphettville on Saturday and since then five winners from nine starters have followed. To fully appreciate the upward trajection of TASSORT you can read an article that was published on the Proven website on Wednesday HERE.
BLACK BOOKER – MIND BENDER
There was plenty to like about the debut of MIND BENDER at Gosford last week. Being a daughter of SO YOU THINK, she isn’t really bred for the short courses but acquitted herself well to finish fourth over the 1000m scamper. Once she got balanced up in the straight, she recorded the second fastest last 200m of the race, which also ranked 5th for the entire meeting. She can only improve next time out, ideally over 1200m.
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
Wagga Friday May 2
L Wagga Gold Cup 2000m
FLYING BANDIT
Kerry Parker/Jay Ford
Comment: On a quick turnaround from last Saturday at Randwick where he raced as though he is looking for further which he gets here. Just needs to extricate himself at the right time from a low draw and he will appreciate the long straight.
Hawkesbury Saturday May 3
L Gold Rush 1100m
IN FLIGHT
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Beat all bar PISANELLO when resuming at Canterbury on April 21. Didn’t get her preferred wet conditions on that occasion but will get a rain affected surface here. Second-up last preparation she was less than a length off IOWNA MERC which is good enough to win this.
Eagle Farm Saturday May 3
BM78 Handicap 1200m
SHOT OF WHISKEY
Matt Hoysted/Justin Stanley
Comment: Returning from a let-up. He’s a two-time winner fresh from four attempts and his last win came over this course and distance however he has drawn the extreme outside with the rail out 7m.
