Proven Thoroughbreds’ representatives this week include a trio of starters in stakes races.
STOCKMAN (pictured) is high up in markets on the $750,000 Group 2 Villiers Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, following an excellent second-up run in the Group 3 Festival Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill a fortnight ago.
The Joe Pride-trained stayer drew wide in 16 but we are hoping it will be of little consequence as he is a backmarker and the track will likely be rain affected.
Meanwhile in Brisbane, smart 2YO colt PALAZZO SPIRIT tackles the Listed Phelan Ready Stakes (1000m) before stablemate KYLEASE lines up in the Listed Bribie Handicap (1000m).
The Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted-trained PALAZZO SPIRIT is one of the contenders for next month’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) having won at Eagle Farm on debut back in October.
Our other runners this week are headed by last start winner SNIPPY FOX and promising filly RUBINOCCHI, both from the Pride stable.
To ensure you stay up to date on all our available horses, join our mailing list by entering your name and email address at the bottom right section of the HOME page.
BLACKBOOKER
MINGLEÂ was fourth emergency for the Listed Calaway Gal Stakes at acceptance time on Wednesday so is highly unlikely to get a run on Saturday but her trial on Tuesday morning was outstanding. Wherever this 2YO filly goes for her debut, she’ll be hard to beat.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Warwick Farm Wednesday December 8
BM72 1000m:
RUBINOCCHI
Joe Pride/Regan Bayliss
Comment: Just nosed out first-up when chasing a hot speed. Stays at 1000m on her home track and is super genuine.
Doomben Friday December 10
QTIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1350m:
GAP YEAR
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Stephanie Thornton
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.
QTIS 3YO Maiden Handicap 1200m:
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.
Randwick Saturday December 11
Group 2 Villiers Stakes 1600m:
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Couldn’t have gone better second-up when flashing home from the tail in the Festival Stakes. Finished only a length off the winner ELLSBERG there and can certainly close that margin going up to a mile at Randwick.
BM88 Handicap 1200m:
SNIPPY FOX
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Determined win fresh at Canterbury after doing some work early in the run. Rarely runs a bad race and is a two-time winner second-up. The likely wet track is also in her favour.
Eagle Farm Saturday December 11
Listed Phelan Ready Stakes 1000m:
PALAZZO SPIRIT
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Baylee Nothdurft
Comment: Looked strong in a barrier trial win on Tuesday. Already guaranteed a spot in the Magic Millions by virtue of his debut win back in October and can cement his claims with another win here.
Listed Bribie Handicap 1000m:
KYLEASE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ron Stewart
Comment: Excellent win first-up over this track and distance before heading south for the Warra at Kembla Grange where she couldn’t accelerate in wet conditions. Given three weeks to get over that run and can bounce back hard.
Kembla Saturday December 11
BM64 Handicap 1200m:
MACCOMO
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Good from off the pace first-up when third around Wyong. Much better suited to the open spaces of Kembla and can position closer to the speed at 1200m, particularly if the track is still rain-affected.
Canberra Sunday December 12
Maiden Plate 1400m:
ROTATION
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Hasn’t troubled the scorer in two career runs but has been out the back in on-pace dominated races. Gives the impression she will get over ground so would like to think she will show something over this distance.
Newcastle Monday December 13
Maiden Handicap 1350m:
ROTATION
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Hasn’t troubled the scorer in two career runs but has been out the back in on-pace dominated races. Gives the impression she will get over ground so would like to think she will show something over this distance.
