STOCKMAN kicks off his autumn campaign in Saturday’s Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes while a number of upcoming meetings in south-east Queensland are under threat due to significant amounts of rainfall forecast.
The Chipping Norton Stakes, run under weight-for-age conditions at Randwick, will serve as a starting point for STOCKMAN, as trainer Joe Pride plots a path to the $2 million Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) in April.
As much as 200mm of rainfall is predicted for the greater Brisbane area between Wednesday and Friday which could result in the abandonment of some important fixtures for our Queensland team.
With 10 runners this week, including four last start winners, the ominous weather outlook is untimely to say the least.
We are hopeful of getting through the Sunshine Coast midweek meeting where RICH LISTER (pictured with rider Baylee Nothdurft at Nudgee beach) looks well placed to post back to back metro wins after toying with her opposition on February 5.
In other Proven news, we have confirmed the dates for our upcoming Sydney and Brisbane open days. Our 2022 yearlings for Joe Pride will be paraded at the Inglis Riverside complex on Sunday March 13 while our next generation of Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted-trained gallopers will be showcased at Kolora Lodge on Sunday March 27. More details on these events will be announced soon but all are welcome to attend.
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BLACKBOOKER
HANG FIVE was excellent on debut at Doomben last week. The ASTERN 2YO was off the bit before the turn but really extended late to just miss stablemate PRINCE SHALAA who had the benefit of a rails run. Having led in his lead-up barrier trial, it was very encouraging to see him settle towards the rear of the field in his first start under race conditions. Doubt he will be a maiden for long.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Sunshine Coast Wednesday February 23
Class 5 Handicap 1200m:
RICH LISTER
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Jaden Lloyd
Comment: Looks beautifully placed on the limit back to midweek company after thrashing Saturday rivals. Hard to beat again.
BM68 Handicap 1000m:
HE KNOWS
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Jaden Lloyd
Comment: Talented horse but likely to find the 1000m a bit sharp first-up, just as he did last preparation. Needs the speed on up front to produce his best.
Ipswich Thursday February 24
BM65 Handicap 800m:
TRIP THE LIGHT
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Travelled wide without cover second-up at the Gold Coast and tired over the concluding stages, finishing 3.8 lengths astern of the winner. Only missed a place once in four starts at Ipswich but yet to race on a heavy.
Randwick Saturday February 26
Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes 1600m:
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Sam Clipperton
Comment: Back from a let-up. Faces some stiff competition under Group 1 weight-for-age conditions but will love the wet track. Look for him to be doing his best work late.
Doomben Saturday February 26
Listed Tattersall’s Member’s Cup 1600m:
OCEAN TREATY
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Proved too strong over this track and distance last time and deservedly gets her chance in black type company. Has won twice on soft but probably doesn’t want the track to be heavy.
Open Handicap 1050m:
CONTEMPTUOUS
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Shooting for four on the trot. Has wet track form but generally races better on top of the ground. Has won twice first-up.
QTIS 3YO Handicap 1350m:
TERANGA
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Got the money on debut after successfully protesting. Would have been something beaten there had the stewards not intervened. Extra distance suits and all reports are that she has trained on well. Heavy track an unknown but most SEBRINGs excel in wet conditions.
BM72 Handicap 1600m/NMW Handicap 1600m:
DON’T DESPAIR
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Terrific return at the Sunshine Coast, finishing runner-up over 1400m. Can only improve up to a mile and is a winner second-up. Has won on a soft 7.
Gold Coast Saturday February 26
BM58 Handicap 1400m
MY SHAMANA
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Slow away last time and had to spend a bit of petrol to take up a position. Did a good job down to hold down third and worth another chance based on her impressive first-up victory. Yes 1400m.
Sunshine Coast Sunday February 27
BM58 Handicap 1200m:
COME CLEAN
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Resuming. Won first-up last campaign but that was on a good 4, doubt they will race on anything other than a heavy here.
F&M Class 1 Handicap 1000m:
KARAOKE QUEEN
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Strong city winner on debut, then finished fifth in a hot provincial class 1 race. Resuming here off the back of a trial win but has next to no exposure to rain affected ground.
