Sales season is in full swing with inspections already underway at Karaka following the 2026 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
Proven Thoroughbreds concluded its business on the Gold Coast last Friday with the acquisition of 7 yearlings. A comprehensive summary of our purchases can be found here: 2026 Magic Millions – The Select 7!
As is normally the case at this time of year, the sales come thick and fast, with the NZB Karaka auction scheduled to commence this Sunday January 25. Then it’s back to Sydney for the Inglis Classic Sale on February 8.
Meanwhile on the racing front, Proven will be represented by runners from Wednesday through to Monday (Australia Day). The Australia Day meeting at Warwick Farm is of particular interest as it will be the scene of 3yo filly RAVE ABOUT IT’s debut. The Joe Pride-trained galloper has been prominent in her trials and is a daughter of the late, great SO YOU THINK.
On the same day at Eagle Farm, impressive last start winner LARADO will attempt to add to his burgeoning record in the 1000m BM65 Handicap for Matt Hoysted.
Information on all of Proven’s latest acquisitions can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – TOORAK TOFF
A bit of a left field selection this week. We’ve learned over the years there is a significant distinction between sires and broodmare sires – ie an average sire is not necessarily condemned to being an average broodmare sire. TOORAK TOFF may not have been a commercial success as a sire but there are early signs to suggest he could make a better broodmare sire. Indeed at the major Magic Millions meeting last Saturday he sired the dams of both 2yo winners – UNIT FIVE (2yo Classic) and TOORAK JEWEL (2yo Debut).
BLACK BOOKER – HIT THE SWITCH
Contested the $250,000 Maiden during the Magic Millions Gold Coast carnival and boy was he unlucky. Posted 4 wide throughout the 1400m journey (his first go at the trip), he stuck on gamely to hold down third. Had he drawn a gate he probably goes close to winning. Trainer Matt Hoysted has sensibly tipped this 3yo out for a break after that tough run but it could well be the making of him when he returns to racing in the winter.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Randwick-Kensington Wednesday January 21
BM72 Handicap 1400m
ELLE HUDSON
Joe Pride/Nash Rawiller
Comment: Resuming. Expect him to be ridden quiet from the outside gate over a distance that is well short of his best. Hasn’t won first-up previously but always puts in a run fresh so has place claims.
Kembla Grange Thursday January 22
Maiden Plate 1200m
ALDEZOR
Kerry Parker/Chad Lever
Comment: Didn’t get a clear crack at them last start but travelled keenly through the middle stages, albeit at a crawling tempo. Ideally would like to see him utilise the inside gate here and be allowed to stride to the front.
Class 1 Handicap 1400m
ELIVINA
Kerry Parker/Chad Lever
Comment: Back from a let-up. Was building nicely before a minor injury setback last month. Finished third in a recent trial here and is twice placed over this track and trip.
Gold Coast Friday January 23
Class 1 Plate 1400m
MELTDOWN
Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Only got warm late first-up over 1200m so this will be more to his liking and has drawn ideally in barrier four. However he does need to find some consistency and hasn’t yet raced at the Gold Coast.
QTIS 3yo Maiden Plate 1200m
HEAD OF THE RIVER
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Ridden quietly first-up over 1000m last time and hit the line solidly to place in third. Looking for 1200m now but has drawn the carpark so will likely be saved for another day.
Newcastle Saturday January 24
BM68 Handicap 1250m
ICONIC TREASURE
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: On the quick back up after taking no part in heavy conditions at Rosehill last Saturday. Much better than that but needs to turn things around as he’s now been unplaced in all four runs this preparation.
Warwick Farm Monday January 26
3YO Fillies Maiden Plate 1100m
RAVE ABOUT IT
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Debutante who has shown above average ability in her trials. Never easy going straight into a metropolitan maiden but does have a home track advantage.
Eagle Farm Monday January 26
BM65 Handicap 1000m
LARADO
Joe Pride/Daniel Moor
Comment: Had plenty of work to do first-up over this trip at the Sunshine Coast but proved much too good for Class 1 opposition. Stays in similar company here and looks a top hope again.
