Emerging 4yo KING’S SECRET climbs into stakes company for the first time when he races Thursday night in the Listed Canterbury Sprint (1200m).
Not only is it his inaugural Black Type challenge. It’s also the gelding’s first trip to the suburban course and only the second time in a 10 start career that he has run over 1200m.
More than a year ago, KING’S SECRET was a well beaten third in an Inglis Bonus maiden at Kembla over this trip. But he’s a different horse today.
A quartet of Saturday Metro victories and the BOBS bonus title in season 24/25, has given trainer Joe Pride confidence to attempt the graduation.
“If he’s going to play a part in the autumn carnival, he can show us Thursday that he’s up to that,” Joe surmised.
The Pride stable will also saddle up lightly raced PROISIR filly PROXIMA CENTAURI in a 1600m Maiden at Kembla Saturday, the same meeting where the Kerry Parker-trained OTONO lines up in the BM64 over the same journey.
Kerry also sends ALDEZOR south to Moruya Monday whilst up in Queensland the sole runner for the week is handy mare BREAK FREE who resumes on New Year’s Day at the Sunshine Coast.
Last Saturday saw TAKE A BOW gain qualification for the $500,000 Magic Millions Country Cup (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 17 after winning a qualifying heat at her 9th run of the campaign. Trainer Matt Hoysted has done a marvellous job to keep this mare racing in great form and hopefully she has one more run in her this time in.
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SIRE ON FIRE – ALMANZOR
Doubles at Caulfield and Hong Kong plus a quartet of winners in NZ makes this son of WOOTTON BASSETT the sire of the week. Has 34 runners going round from Thursday to Sunday.
BLACK BOOKER – HIT THE SWITCH
Thwarted by a wide run when 4th at the Sunshine Coast. Indicated some determination and desire for a longer trip so may be an outside chance in the 1400m Magic Millions Maiden.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Canterbury Thursday January 1
Listed Canterbury Sprint 1200m
KING’S SECRET
Joe Pride/Andrew Adkins
Comment: With a 50% win strike rate this lightly raced sibling of PRIVATE EYE is poised to elevate his status. Has to get round the tight circuit, run out 1200m, but at his peak now being third-up from a break.
Sunshine Coast Thursday January 1
BM68 Handicap 1000m
BREAK FREE
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Looking for redemption following a mixed winter campaign. Resumes at her favourite track and distance (1000m Sunshine Coast) where she’s unbeaten in both starts.
Kembla Grange Saturday January 3
BM64 Handicap 1600m
OTONO
Kerry Parker/Rebecca Bronett Prag (a3)
Comment: Has been thereabouts without delivering the killer punch. Gets her chance on her home track from a lovely draw with a claim.
Super Maiden Plate 1600m
PROXIMA CENTAURI
Joe Pride/Mitch Stapleford (a2)
Comment: A long way from the scoreboard when unsighted at her two starts to date. However, bred to stay and gets out the mile for the first time.
Moruya Monday January 5
Super Maiden Showcase Handicap 1200m
ALDEZOR
Kerry Parker/Chad Lever
Comment: Failed to flatter first up following a promising trial for new trainer Kerry Parker. Needs to belatedly launch his career soon to justify a future in the stable.
