It will be a special occasion at Randwick this Saturday with the renewal of the Proven Thoroughbreds Guy Walter Stakes (1400m).
Proven is a long time sponsor of the Group 2 mares race named in memory of Guy, who was tragically taken from us in 2014. Without Guy’s influence, Proven Thoroughbreds would never have existed.
And to have representation in the meeting’s main event (STOCKMAN – Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes) will also be a great honour. Indeed, Guy’s best horse TIE THE KNOT made the race his own during the turn of the century, winning the weight-for-age contest four consecutive times – a feat only replicated by the legendary WINX.
Also set to run at Randwick on Saturday is STOCKMAN’s highly promising stablemate THINK ABOUT IT. The Joe Pride-trained 4YO has won five of his six career starts and tackles the Group 3 Liverpool City Cup (1300m).
A bevy of other Proven gallopers are due to face the starter this week including COPPER MOON, an impressive debut winner earlier this month for Kembla trainer Kerry Parker. The grey gelding returns to the scene of his win in a 1000m Class 1 Handicap at his home track on Thursday.
Meanwhile two unraced juveniles from the Steve O’Dea/Matt Hoysted stable – SHOT OF WHISKEY & SPIN DOCTOR – have been entered for a 1000m 2YO Maiden at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.
For more details you can visit our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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BLACK BOOKER
HEDGE FUND went within half a length of winning at his first run in more than 13 months at Hawkesbury last week. The Kerry Parker-trained gelding was returning from an injury-enforced spell in an 1100m maiden and ran home strongly into second. Horses coming down the outside of the Hawkesbury home straight traditionally struggle to make ground which added more merit to the run. No doubt he would have derived a good deal of fitness improvement from the run so will be one to watch next start.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Eagle Farm Wednesday Feb 22
Class 1 Handicap 1400m:
HANG FIVE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Brodie Loy
Comment: No luck at all in a BM72 Handicap over this track and distance earlier this month when starting a $2 favourite. Drawn awkwardly in barrier 10 but can certainly bounce back with even luck.
Gatton Thursday Feb 23
BM60 Handicap 1400m:
BETTER YET
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Emily Lang (a2)
Comment: Went down narrowly first-up as favourite in a fast-run 1200m. Sure to strip fitter and drawn to effect.
Class 3 Handicap 1600m:
VANTAN EXPRESS
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Emily Lang (a2)
Comment: Just pipped when dropping from a mile to 1350m. Back up to his preferred trip and should be figuring in the finish again.
Kembla Thursday Feb 23
Class 1 Handicap 1000m:
COPPER MOON
Kerry Parker/Jeff Penza
Comment: Debuted in a class 1 over this track and distance and won with something in hand, albeit against only three rivals. A bit more depth here but will be all the better for the experience and is proven in rain-affected ground.
Randwick Saturday Feb 25
Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes 1600m:
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Sam Clipperton
Comment: Was doing his best work late in the Apollo Stakes first-up and this is logical progression for him towards the Sydney Cup. Will improve second-up but unlikely to trouble the likes of Anamoe over this distance.
Group 3 Liverpool City Cup 1300m:
THINK ABOUT IT
Joe Pride/Sam Clipperton
Comment: Exciting 4YO shooting for an incredible sixth win from just seven starts. No hiding in this company against the likes of PROFONDO and RIODINI but stays down in the weights and is at the top of his game.
Doomben Saturday Feb 25
Open Handicap 1400m:
SNIPPY FOX
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Taylor Marshall
Comment: On debut for the O’Dea/Hoysted stable having disappointed in recent starts in Sydney. A change of scenery may be just what the doctor ordered and she is proven at this track having run a close second in Listed company last September.
Class 6 Plate 1050m:
STELLAR MAGIC
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Samantha Collett
Comment: Excellent return at Doomben when running home powerfully to just miss the winner who had the more economical run. Has won second-up previously and looks well placed for a successful hit and run mission.
FETCH
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Kyle Wilson-Taylor
Comment: Recent trial winner resuming. Two from three when fresh and races well at Doomben.
QTIS 3YO Handicap (1110m)
POLARISING
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Samantha Collett
Comment: Dashed clear and looked the winner on debut, only to be run down in the shadows of the post. They gapped third so the form will likely stand up, though is taking on tougher opposition here.
Sunshine Coast Sunday Feb 26
Class 1 Handicap 1800m:
GAP YEAR
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Nikita Beriman
Comment: Went forward second-up rising to a mile and was overtaken late, though still finishing within two lengths of the winner. Started favourite on that occasion and can atone with a more economical run.
QTIS 2YO Maiden Handicap 1000m:
SHOT OF WHISKEY
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Another debutant showing above average ability. Won a Deagon trial by 2.5 lengths on Tuesday.
