Proven Thoroughbreds will be hoping to secure a second runner in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic this week.
Last Saturday saw the Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted-trained colt PALAZZO SPIRIT cement a start in the $2 million event with victory in the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes, and on Friday stablemate MINGLE will be looking to do the same.
MINGLE (pictured), a daughter of NOT A SINGLE DOUBT, was an impressive trial winner last Tuesday but faces a strong field at the Sunshine Coast on Friday. The winner of the race will bank $42,700 which is sufficient prizemoney to gain a start in the Magic Millions.
Three other Proven Thoroughbreds debutants are set to run in the week ahead – HEDGE FUND (Kerry Parker), GAP YEAR (O’Dea/Hoysted) and GOSSIP COLUMN (O’Dea/Hoysted).
Meanwhile on the trial front, smart mare INVINCIANO will step out at Warwick Farm on Thursday morning. The Joe Pride-trained mare is a seven time winner with prizemoney just shy of $300,000.
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BLACKBOOKER
No blackbooker this week
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Hawkesbury Thursday December 16
BM64 Handicap 1400m:
LITTLE RIVER
Joe Pride/Rory Hutchings
Comment: Looks set to relish getting out to 1400m, particularly if she can lead. Drying track suits and was only beaten a length here first-up over 1100m.
Goulburn Friday December 17
Maiden Plate 1200m:
HEDGE FUND
Kerry Parker/Adrian Layt
Comment: On debut. Ran on well to finish runner-up in his most recent trial at Kembla Grange on December 8. This looks an attractive starting point for him.
Maiden Handicap 1000m:
COOL RECEPTION
Kerry Parker/Jeff Penza
Comment: Doubt she loved the heavy (8) conditions at her first start but did a good job to finish within 1.4 lengths of the winner. Back to 1000m on a drier track looks to be in her favour.
Sunshine Coast Friday December 17
2YO Handicap 1000m:
MINGLE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Scratched as an emergency from the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes last Saturday. Excellent trial winner leading up to that and must be considered a chance in what looks a hot field here.
3YO Maiden Handicap 1000m:
GOSSIP COLUMN
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: First starter whose shown improvement at every trial. By leading sire WRITTEN TYCOON. Bears close watching.
3YO BM65 Handicap 1600m:
VANTAN EXPRESS
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Overcame trouble in the run home to win convincingly here over 1400m. The speed was good on that occasion, suggesting the step up to 1600m will pose no problems.
Gold Coast Saturday December 18
BM65 Handicap 1800m:
ENRIQUE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: 4YO gelding whose record has suffered from inconsistency. Narrowly missed at this track two starts back and then was only plain at his most recent outing when sixth at Ipswich. Capable of bouncing back but hard to be confident.
Sunshine Coast Sunday December 19
BM58 Handicap 1800m:
ENRIQUE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: 4YO gelding whose record has suffered from inconsistency. Narrowly missed at the Gold Coast two starts back and then was only plain at his most recent outing when sixth at Ipswich. Capable of bouncing back but hard to be confident.
F&M Maiden Plate 1400m:
GAP YEAR
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Debutante by DUNDEEL likely to find this distance a bit sharp. Look for her to be hitting the line late with a view to getting up over ground later on.
