The death of our champion racehorse THINK ABOUT IT has cast a pall over racing this week.
Unfortunately on Tuesday night we learned that THINK ABOUT IT had been euthanised due to complications arising from colic surgery.
Winner of The Everest in 2023, as well as two Group 1 races, THINK ABOUT IT amassed more than $12million prizemoney in a brief but dramatic career, that ended when the gelding survived a pulmonary haemorrhage at Randwick in October 2024.
He was an incredible horse and we are forever indebted to him.
On a lighter note, inspections for the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale are underway at Riverside, with the sale scheduled to commence on Sunday.
Last week the 100th renewal of the NZB Karaka Sale took place and Proven came away with three additions to the team. More details on those three yearlings HERE.
Meanwhile on the racing front, THE BLACK CLOUD (pictured) returns from a freshen at Randwick on Saturday after notching her first black type victory in the Bribie Handicap at Eagle Farm towards the end of last year. Trainer Joe Pride appears to have found the key to this mare by keeping her fresh at 1000m.
Another runner of note this week is the debutant ALABAMA SHOWDOWN. Another member of the Pride stable, the 3yo gelding was seen running 2nd in a recent trial at Warwick Farm and is due to kick off his career at Kembla Grange on Saturday.
Information on all of Proven’s latest acquisitions can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – EXTREME CHOICE
We know this stallion’s freakish qualities but what really sets him apart is the fact he already has four sons at stud and another two waiting in the wings, the latest being last Saturday’s Canonbury Stakes winner HIDRIX – $1.7 million yearling if you don’t mind!
BLACK BOOKER – BANG ON TIME
Won a trial brilliantly last year before injury intervened. Was back at the trials at Kembla on Monday and won again after 11 months off the scene. Fingers crossed she can get to the races soon because she is clearly talented.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Warwick Farm Wednesday February 4
BM72 Handicap 1400m
ELLE HUDSON
Joe Pride/Andrew Adkins
Comment: Second-up after finishing off strongly to run 4th over this trip. Hasn’t won below a mile in 17 career starts so likely to need this hit-out.
Eagle Farm Wednesday February 4
QTIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1200m
EMPHATIQUE
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Beaten as favourite first-up at the Sunshine Coast when briefly disappointed for a run. Lack of experience probably told there and will be much improved for that run. Each-way again.
Randwick Saturday Saturday February 7
BM94 Handicap 1000m
THE BLACK CLOUD
Joe Pride/Nash Rawiller
Comment: Back to benchmark company after breaking through in stakes company on December 13. Kept up to the mark with two nice trials and appears to relish having her runs spaced. Up in weight but has the services of Nash.
Doomben Saturday February 7
NMW Handicap 1200m
BREAK FREE
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Got the money first-up, enhancing her overall record to 4 wins from only 8 starts. Going up 200m a month between runs from a wide gate the query.
Kembla Grange Saturday February 7
2&3YO Maiden Handicap 1000m
ALABAMA SHOWDOWN
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: First starter by ALABAMA EXPRESS. Fitted with two city trials, the latest of which he finished a close 2nd which has him poised to run well here.
Midway BM64 Handicap 1600m
ELIVINA
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Ready to fire up to the mile on her home track now following an interrupted preparation. Loomed up to win last start over the 1400m here but just tired late being more than a month between runs.
4YO&UP Maiden Plate 1500m
ALDEZOR
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Put in a marginally improved run last time out when finishing 5th over 1200m here last month but remains on notice. Racing as though he wants 1500m and probably won’t get better chance to break through.
Sunshine Coast Sunday February 8
3YO Maiden Handicap 1000m
HEAD OF THE RIVER
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Raced too keenly going up to 1200m last time so back to 1000m suits. Her first-up run over this track and distance when ridden quietly was very good.
Wyong Tuesday February 10
F&M Maiden Handicap 1100m
RAVE ABOUT IT
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Raced greenly when in the market on debut at Warwick Farm. Was exposed the whole way but still managed to finish within 2 lengths of the winner so will be much improved for that effort. Wouldn’t surprise to see her win.
