Top class sprinter PRIVATE EYE returns in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday for a mouth-watering clash with star NZ mare IMPERATRIZ.
A small but select field of eight has been assembled for the 2024 Lightning Stakes which will see PRIVATE EYE (pictured) race over 1000m for the first time since running fifth on debut at Wyong way back in July 2020.
However, trainer Joe Pride is confident the five furlongs is of no concern, given the gelding’s impeccable fresh record (8:4-0-1) and form down the Flemington straight (1st G2 Gilgai Stakes, 4th G1 Newmarket Handicap).
On Wednesday morning, PRIVATE EYE drew barrier eight which should give in-form jockey Blake Shinn every chance to assess the early speed of the race.
We can’t wait to get down to Melbourne and cheer on ‘Spade’. May the best horse win!
Elsewhere, progressive mare UNDERHAND has the benefit of an inside gate for her return to racing at Ipswich on Thursday while TRAVIATA will be looking to break her maiden at the Sunshine Coast 24 hours later after an encouraging third at Eagle Farm last month.
Last week was a fruitful one for Proven, with two winners and two seconds from just five runners. The only blemish was the luckless NAVAL TRADER who raced in restricted room at Doomben’s Saturday meeting.
Yesterday, trading concluded at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale where Proven left with a total of eight yearlings. More details on our latest acquisitions, including videos, quotes, key factors and sales notes will be posted online early next week.
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BLACK BOOKER
BOTTLER turned in an excellent debut at Wyong over the 1100m last Thursday. The son of VANCOUVER travelled sweetly for Jay Ford back in the field before sweeping around the outside and finishing within 0.9 lengths of the winner. Sure to improve up in distance and on a bigger track.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Ipswich Thursday February 15
BM62 Handicap 800m
UNDERHAND
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Emily Lang (a)
Comment: Speedy mare resuming. Really found her niche over this distance last preparation with three wins and two seconds in five runs. Will take catching from the rails draw.
Goulburn Thursday February 15
Maiden Plate 1300m
HOOD RIVER
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Far from disgraced in two career starts. Resumes here off the back of two sound trials and should appreciate the 1300m first-up. Might need this hit-out but will be doing her best work late.
Flemington Saturday February 17
G1 Lightning Stakes 1000m
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Blake Shinn
Comment: Class horse with a dynamite fresh record and has won down the straight. Suited under weight-for-age conditions and is adaptable in terms of where he can be in the run.
Sunshine Coast Sunday February 18
F&M Maiden Plate 1200m
POLARISING
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Honest mare who has been knocking on the door for a breakthrough maiden win. Placed in all three runs at this track and placed in both previous first-up runs. A rain affected track would be the main query.
QTIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1000m
JET STREAM
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Very green on debut when a fast finishing fourth at Ipswich before running a close up third as an easing favourite at Gatton last month. Wet track an unknown.
Wyong Tuesday February 20
Maiden Plate 1300m
UNHOLSTERED
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Sound return from injury at Canterbury last month, doing his best work late to finish seventh. Fitter now and back to provincial grade helps.
