Stable star PRIVATE EYE will make his first public appearance this season at Randwick’s barrier trials on Friday.
The two-time Everest placegetter will be ridden by Jay Ford, who has been in white-hot form for the Pride stable over the winter. The pair will link up in a 740m heat before reuniting at the races next month. Ford of course partnered PRIVATE EYE in his Group 3 Show County (1200m) victory when first-up at Randwick back in 2021.
Speaking of jockey bookings, Jason Collett will ride THINK ABOUT IT in his upcoming spring campaign. Last year’s Everest winner is set to kick off in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) on October 5 and all eyes will be on him to see if he can bounce back from a disappointing autumn albeit without much luck.
THE BLACK CLOUD looked sharp in her trial earlier this week when 2nd to smart galloper PANIC. The mare will kick off in the Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday week.
Like a punt on Futures markets?
“TROPICAL SQUALL is set to resume in the G1 Winx Stakes (1400m) on Saturday week,” our times analyst Nic Ashman said.
“She won the Group 1 Surround Stakes over the Randwick 1400m when resuming in the autumn.
“Not suggesting she is trialling the house down but the manner in which they are pushing out in these workouts suggests they want her fit next week.
“Given PERICLES is running this Saturday and the word is VIA SISTINA will resume in the Makybe Diva Stakes, I think the $12 around town for TROPICAL SQUALL is a bet. Especially the $3.50 to place.
“That looks the start of a spring multi to me!”
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SIRE ON FIRE – ZOUSTAR
Has begun this season like he finished the last. The victory of SCHWARZ in the Group 2 Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last Saturday followed RIGHT TO PARTY’s black type success down the Flemington straight. He also sired JARRAF, winner of Shergar Cup Sprint at Ascot (UK) on Saturday night.
BLACK BOOKER – MOONLIGHT GAMBLER
Was dictated to by eventual winner when trying to lead all the way on debut at Kembla. Produced a very strong last 800m that could suggest an extra 100m and taking a sit might do the trick next start.
BET WITH NIC
Our resident times analyst Nic Ashman has started the season with a bang. His Olympic multi is alive with only VIA SISTINA required to deliver a healthy dividend plus last weekend he made SCHWARZ the best.
“Down in Melbourne we have the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes and there is good tempo on paper. I’m looking for a fit horse that excels at 1400m and GENTLEMEN ROY fits that criteria. Great each-way bet.”
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Gold Coast Saturday August 17
Class 3 Handicap 1200m
TOWN CRIER
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: No luck when wide last start and form before was superb. Beat the Class 2 average by more than 6L at Grafton two back and looks very well placed here.
Doomben Saturday August 17
BM78 Handicap 1200m
NAVAL TRADER
Matt Hoysted/Nikita Beriman
Comment: Resuming. Placed 9 of 10 with his only unplaced run first-up last prep when hampered badly shortly after they jumped. Ratings get better as he gets older.
Kembla Grange Saturday August 17
BM68 Handicap 1600m
LICHESTER
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Had to do a bit of work to get outside lead last start in town. Better placed in this grade and out to 1600m on her home track. Expect sharp improvement as her career peak ratings have been around this trip on wet ground.
Bathurst Monday August 19
Class 1 Handicap 1200m
ICONIC TREASURE
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Resumed in a slowly run race where his sectionals were flat suggesting he wants further. Gets 100m more here and with a bit of tempo on should be powering to the line.
Maiden Handicap 1200m
BOTTLER
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Resumes and ran the best late splits of the race when first-up last prep. Hasn’t shown a huge amount at the trials recently but did that going into last prep. Looks a raceday horse.
F&M Maiden Handicap 1200m
TRAPELLA
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Coming off a moderate debut at Wyong in a race that rated well. Well placed in a Bathurst maiden and will have improved fitness wise. Each-way chance.
Grafton Tuesday August 20
Class 1 & Maiden Plate 1700m
SPIN DOCTOR
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Despite finishing 4th he’s returned a career peak rating last start in town. Stable have always felt he will need a mile to show his best and will appreciate the step up to 1700m here.
