Classy mare IN FLIGHT will be chasing three consecutive stakes wins in three states when she heads to Melbourne on Saturday.
The Joe Pride-trained 4yo steps up to weight-for-age conditions in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) but is set to start a commanding favourite in the $200,000 event. Leading Melbourne jockey Craig Williams has been booked to ride and if the predicted rain falls at Caulfield, her chances will only be enhanced.
IN FLIGHT was crowned BOBS Horse Of The Year last season and if KING’S SECRET wins at Randwick on Saturday he too can claim that title which would be an incredible coup for both trainer Joe Pride and the breeder Goodwood Farm.
KING’S SECRET’s stablemate LITTLE COINTREAU has also accepted for the Randwick meeting but came up as the sixth emergency so will need the field to fall away dramatically if he is to gain a run.
A handful of other Proven horses will face the starter this week, including lightly-raced 3yo ALDEZOR, who resumes at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Nic Ashman’s SECTIONALS REVIEW and SATURDAY TIP articles are currently in hiatus until Group 1 racing resumes next season.
Information on all of Proven’s 2025 yearlings can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – I AM INVINCIBLE
Recorded six winners on Saturday – ranging in age from 2 to 9! His highlight undoubtedly was THE THREE HUNDRED, a dominant victor of the Group 3 Winx Guineas at the Sunshine Coast.
BLACK BOOKER – HEAD OF THE RIVER
This unraced 2yo daughter of SHAMUS AWARD has turned heads at the barrier trials. Her latest effort was a comfortable 2.75 length win in a 840m heat at Doomben on July 3. Look out for her when she steps out for the Matt Hoysted stable.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Canterbury Wednesday Jul 9
Maiden Handicap 1100m
ALDEZOR
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: First-up since making up solid ground from the back over 1150m at the Kensington track on debut last preparation. Likely to find this a bit slick again so prefer to wait until he gets up over a bit further.
BM64 Handicap 1550m
ELLE HUDSON
Joe Pride/Alysha Collett
Comment: Resumed with an eye-catching third over 1300m at the Kensington track. Yet to win second-up and has a big impost here. Likely to be peaking next run when he gets out to a more suitable trip.
Caulfield Saturday Jul 12
G3 Sir John Monash Stakes 1100m
IN FLIGHT
Joe Pride/Craig Williams
Comment: In career best form shooting for three consecutive stakes victories in three states. Goes up to weight-for-age now but this field isn’t any deeper than what she faced last start. More rain the better.
Randwick Saturday Jul 12
BM88 Handicap 1400m
LITTLE COINTREAU
Joe Pride/Alysha Collett
Comment: Consistent type but remains winless this preparation. Been carrying big weights and is afforded significant relief here. Being a small horse, that could prove to be the missing link. However he does need some scratchings in order to gain a start.
BM78 Handicap 1000m/BM72 Handicap 1100m
KING’S SECRET
Joe Pride/Andrew Adkins
Comment: In a rich vein of form having won two of his last three in impressive fashion with Andrew Adkins aboard. Gets his first look at Randwick.
Doomben Saturday Jul 12
F&M Class 3 Plate 1110m
BOARD MEMBER
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Caught on the worst part of the track when fifth at the Sunshine Coast over 1000m. Has previously won second-up and will appreciate going up in trip.
Gold Coast Saturday Jul 12
BM68 Handicap 1200m
BOARD MEMBER
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Caught on the worst part of the track when fifth at the Sunshine Coast over 1000m. Has previously won second-up and will appreciate going up in trip.
Sunshine Coast Sunday Jul 13
Maiden Plate 1400m/QTIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1400m
MELTDOWN
Matt Hoysted/Damien Thornton
Comment: Ready to win after two sound efforts back from a spell, the latest of which returned a close-up third over this track and distance. Had a tick over trial since.
