Proven Thoroughbreds has a strong representation of runners this week but most will have to overcome an obstacle that has become all too familiar.
It seems we can’t take a trick with barriers of late. Five runners of our last seven runners drew double-figure gates while four of our next five starters will also have to contend with wide alleys.
The Joe Pride-trained pair IN FLIGHT and ACCREDITED have been hit hardest by the draws, as both had found very winnable races at Randwick on Saturday.
One horse that has managed to evade the barrier curse is stablemate COSMONOVA (pictured), who resumes at Warwick Farm on Wednesday following two eye-catching trials.
Up north, rain continues to wreak havoc, particularly for OCEAN ZAR. The Matt Hoysted-trained mare was scratched from Eagle Farm last Saturday due to a heavy track and may well be faced with another rain-affected surface this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Proven Thoroughbreds is currently conducting a 3 minute survey to obtain a greater understanding of our client base as well as the broader racing public. Note this is an anonymous survey and we would very much appreciate your feedback. CLICK HERE to begin the survey.
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SIRE ON FIRE – TOO DARN HOT
It’s been some year for Darley’s ‘hottest’ young sire. Bagged his 6th southern hemisphere stakes winner last Saturday in the shape of SUPERALLOY. Has another 5 stakes placegetters from just 65 runners. A real shame he won’t be returning down under, with his final yearlings to be sold in 2026.
BLACK BOOKER – ELLE HUDSON
Race shape slightly against him at Hawkesbury last Sunday but now he’s had a good grounding to go up to a winnable distance and his closing splits were good. Stick with him.
BET WITH NIC
Times analyst Nic Ashman’s popular weekly tip has moved to a separate article that will be published every Thursday on the Proven website. His best bet around the country on Saturday will be revealed plus a link to subscribe to his full package of tips across the metropolitan meetings. His record speaks for itself with 17 collects from 27 selections!
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Warwick Farm Wednesday December 18
BM72 Handicap 1000m
COSMONOVA
Joe Pride/Zac Waddick (a2)
Comment: Went out on a winning note last prep and looked sharp in a recent trial. Has won first-up previously and handles all conditions. Will camp off speed and need some luck but she will be strong through the line.
Beaumont Newcastle Thursday December 19
Maiden Handicap 1200m
OTONO
Joe Pride/Reece Jones
Comment: Resumes. Only run to date was a fast finishing 2nd at Canberra over 1280m. The race rated ok but it must be said she is a slow maturing type that we expect to see the best of this prep over ground.
Gold Coast Friday December 20
BM78 Handicap 1400m
OCEAN ZAR
Matt Hoysted/Ron Stewart
Comment: Scratched from last week due to the heavy rain. All 3 of her wins have been over 1400m but does have to overcome a wide barrier.
Randwick Saturday December 21
BM94 Handicap 1100m
IN FLIGHT
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Second-up. Clocked the best last 200m of the day when resuming, suggesting this mare has come back in terrific order. Drawn awkwardly but if she can find a bum early then she’ll get the chance to rip down the centre part of the track.
BM78 Handicap 1300m
ACCREDITED
Joe Pride/Chad Schofield
Comment: Unlucky first-up and then trounced them second-up clocking his last 600m 4L above standard. Hit the line there with plenty in reserve and if it wasn’t for the wide gate, we’d be very confident he’d be in the finish.
Eagle Farm Saturday December 21
BM85 Handicap 1400m
OCEAN ZAR
Matt Hoysted/Angela Jones
Comment: Scratched from last week due to the heavy rain. All 3 of her wins have been over the 1400m here at Eagle Farm and her jockey is striking at 23% over the past 30 days.
