Proven Thoroughbreds heads into this weekend’s racing with the favourite in two feature races.
PRIVATE EYE is the $2.15 bookies’ elect for the $1 million Supernova (1400m) at Pakenham while THE BLACK CLOUD has top billing at $3.50 in the Listed Bribie Handicap (1000m) at Eagle Farm.
Aiding PRIVATE EYE’s cause was a welcome change of luck at the barrier draw, with Ladbrokes representative Dean Elliott drawing barrier 5 for the veteran gelding. The Joe Pride-trained warhorse will of course run under Ladbrokes’ slot in a field of 14 starters.
Stablemate THE BLACK CLOUD (pictured) is a somewhat surprising favourite, for the simple fact she hasn’t won in almost 18 months. However four second placings, including a narrow defeat in the Group 3 Warra (1000m) last start, has the 5yo mare well placed to secure a valuable black type win.
Proven’s other runners this week include last start winners COLUMBIA BLUE (Canterbury Friday night) and TAKE A BOW (nominated for the Gold Coast Saturday and Sunshine Coast Sunday).
Canterbury’s night meeting will also see PROXIMA CENTAURI make her debut. The 3yo daughter of PROISIR was purchased in conjunction with Francis and Christine Cook at the 2024 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and as such will race in the same hybrid silks that were seen on the Matt Hoysted-trained LOVE REBEL who finished runner-up on debut at the Sunshine Coast last Friday night.
Among our upcoming Hoysted starters is HIT THE SWITCH, a horse we made our blackbooker a couple of weeks ago following an eye-catching first-up run at the Gold Coast. The 3yo gelding heads to the Sunshine Coast on Sunday in search of his maiden win.
For a full break down of the performances of our runners last week, you can read form analyst Nic Ashman’s SECTIONALS REVIEW article.
Information on all of Proven’s 2025 acquisitions can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – I AM INVINCIBLE
I AM INVINCIBLE may be 15 winners off the pace set by ZOUSTAR in this season’s stallion premiership standings, but he is a dominant leader in the department where it matters most – stakes races. George Moore victor CABALLUS became his 7th individual stakes winner of 2025-26. That number has him on track to eclipse his stakes winner tally last season of 18.
BLACK BOOKER – INDEFENSIBLE
It would appear this mare relishes fast run races. And the only way to ensure that is to keep her over the short courses. This was astutely recognised by trainer Joe Pride last week as she bounced back to form with a fast-finishing second at Warwick Farm’s midweek meeting where she recorded the second fastest last 400m of the day.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Canterbury Friday December 12
BM72 Handicap 1100m
COLUMBIA BLUE
Joe Pride/Mitch Stapleford
Comment: Impressive last start winner around Wyong first-up despite showing greenness in the home straight. Will appreciate the sting out of the track but does need to overcome the outside gate.
Maiden Handicap 1250m
PROXIMA CENTAURI
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Staying bred NZ filly on debut. Doubt she can trouble the scorer first-up but this is all part of her education. Look for her to be doing her best work late.
Pakenham Saturday December 13
The Supernova 1400m
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Craig Williams
Comment: The clear class runner of the race and drawn perfectly (for a change). Loses Nash Rawiller but gains Craig Williams. Looks a fast race on paper and he should be able to camp just off it.
Eagle Farm Saturday December 13
L Bribie Handicap 1000m
THE BLACK CLOUD
Joe Pride/Daniel Moor
Comment: Speedy mare that sets up well staying at 1000m second-up three weeks between runs. Been a while between drinks but is coming off a second placing in Group 3 company. A firming Eagle Farm track is some query.
Class 6 Handicap 1200m
TOWN CRIER
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Just had to work too hard last time when a month between runs but still stuck on gamely to finish fourth, only a length from the winner. Racing in great form and will be in this again for a long way.
BM70 Handicap 1400m
HEYOKA
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Needed the run last time and doubt she relished the wet conditions in Class 6 company at Doomben. Can improve sharply back on top of the ground at Eagle Farm.
Gold Coast Saturday December 13
Class 4 Plate 1000m
TAKE A BOW
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: In form mare but her racing pattern and habit of being slow into stride can make things hard for her. Just needs to be within striking distance at the 600m to figure in the finish again.
Nowra Sunday December 14
Class 2 Showcase Handicap 1600m
ELIVINA
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Beautifully placed in this race despite still being eligible for class 1 company. The mile suits and would need to be winning or going very close here to justify bigger targets.
Showcase Super Maiden Plate 1100m
ALDEZOR
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: First start for new stable. Trials encouraging but has drawn the carpark so may be saved for another day.
Sunshine Coast Sunday December 14
QTIS 3YO Maiden Handicap 1200m
HIT THE SWITCH
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Coming off a very sound first-up run over 1000m at the Gold Coast, running on into 2nd after a slow getaway. If he can execute at the start, he will take some beating here.
BM65 Handicap 1000m
TAKE A BOW
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Returns to the scene of her win last start and indeed two of her three other career victories. Just needs to be within striking distance at the 600m to figure in the finish again.
