How seamless the transition is from season to season in Australian Racing! Unlike a number of overseas jurisdictions that have a distinct break, the domestic 2025/26 year concluded on Friday July 31 and kicked off the next 12 month period the very next day.
Interestingly, ELLE HUDSON, who was our final winner for the aforementioned season, may well become our first for 26/27 when he lines up at Randwick this Saturday.
Exquisitely placed by trainer Joe Pride to comfortably land the chocolates in an abnormally thin midweek 2400m event, the 5yo tackles Saturday company at Randwick in a BM78 with Sam Clipperton to again ride.
Another Pride prepared last start winner COLUMBIA BLUE (pictured) will look to close the meeting on a high when also confronting BM78 company but in a 1200m race, half the distance his stablemate will compete over.
The week opens Thursday at Gosford where the TORONADO mare IN CIRCLES resumes in an 1100m Maiden. Meantime the Hoysted stable will only send out a pair of runners for the week, OCEAN ZAR seeking redemption at her favourite home track and SUBPOENA COLADA who makes her the long-awaited debut.
Meanwhile, the mighty stalwart PRIVATE EYE will prepare for the defence of his PB Lawrence Stakes next week at Caulfield with a barrier trial at Rosehill Friday.
Information on all of Proven’s latest acquisitions can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
For news and exclusive offers you can SUBSCRIBE to our mailing list.
SIRE ON FIRE – SHAMUS AWARD
A ripping July saw this established son of SNITZEL notch 18 winners to close out the season with a tally of 98. The progeny of his upgraded matings are permeating through racecourses from Happy Valley to Sandown where unbeaten filly HERE’S MATILDA scored again last week.
BLACK BOOKER – PROXIMA CENTAURI
Took the challenging step from Maiden to a Benchmark 64 with an eye-catching third at Wyong last Sunday. Was held up at a vital stage which arguably cost the PROISIR mare victory so look for her in something longer in coming weeks.
RUNNERS THIS WEEK
Gosford Thursday August 6
Maiden Handicap 1100m
IN CIRCLES
Joe Pride/Adam Hyeronimus
Comment: Showed promise in her first preparation so as a lightly raced 4yo from the HIGH CHAPARRAL line looks suitably placed here from a good draw.
Randwick Saturday August 8
BM78 Handicap 2400m
ELLE HUDSON
Joe Pride/Sam Clipperton
Comment: Bolted in on the Kensington track against weak opposition and rises to Saturday grade in attempting to put 3 on the bounce. Would prefer a wetter surface but in career best form and has found another very attractive race.
BM78 Handicap 1200m
COLUMBIA BLUE
Joe Pride/Adam Hyeronimus
Comment: Genuine galloper who made amends for a narrow defeat first-up when a decisive winner at Rosehill in this class. Up in the weights and on firmer ground but has thrived in preparation for this.
Eagle Farm Saturday August 8
BM78 Handicap 1600m
OCEAN ZAR
Matt Hoysted/Jake Bayliss
Comment: Hasn’t bothered the scorer in two starts since a let-up. However, is very effective at this track and distance so worth giving another chance, especially stripping fitter for this contest.
Sunshine Coast Sunday August 9
Maiden Handicap 1000m
SUBPOENA COLADA
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: At last! Makes her long awaited debut as a spring 4yo after battling manifold setbacks. Has trialled very well in preparation for this much anticipated first trip to the races.
