Proven Thoroughbreds’ veteran sprinter SCALLOPINI has arrived in Melbourne for his first interstate mission.
The O’Dea-Hoysted stable stalwart has certainly earned a crack at the southern state riches, having won 10 races in a 35 start career. And with a current Queensland benchmark rating of 103, the programming options at home this time of year are limited.
The Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m), held at Caulfield under weight-for-age conditions, will be the starting point of SCALLOPINI’s Melbourne campaign. Other O’Dea-Hoysted gallopers travelling to Melbourne include the exciting 3YO UNCOMMON JAMES and accomplished sprinter SHOOTING FOR GOLD.
Meanwhile in Sydney, Joe Pride has accepted with SNIPPY FOX in both the Listed Winter Challenge (1500m) and Benchmark 88 Handicap (1300m) at Randwick on Saturday. The five-year-old mare is coming off a second placing over the 1200m Randwick course on a heavy (9) surface and is likely to get similar track conditions again.
Another horse expected to relish wet conditions on Saturday is 3YO filly SECRET TALES, entered to run in the 1615m BM75 Handicap at Doomben, where heavy rainfall is expected on Thursday and Friday.
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BLACK BOOKER
INVINCIANO finally struck a dry track at Eagle Farm last Saturday but coming back in distance second-up was always going to be a challenge. After slightly missing the jump, she not surprisingly didn’t have the speed to take up her customary leading role and so settled near the tail of the field. Stuck on the inferior inside section of the home straight, she chased to the line gamely, in what was a perfect lead-up to a 1400m open handicap back at Eagle Farm on Saturday week.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Ipswich Wednesday July 20
Class 5 Handicap 1100m:
RED RUBI
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Didn’t let down like we know she can in the very heavy conditions at the Sunshine Coast. Back to a midweek Class 5 she looks well placed to return to the winners’ circle, providing she gets a clear crack at them.
Gatton Friday July 22
QTIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1100m:
CLASSIC BOOM
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Slow maturing filly who has shown ability at the trials. This looks a suitable starting point to her career.
Caulfield Saturday July 23
Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes 1200m:
SCALLOPINI
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Damien Oliver
Comment: Classy sprinter having his first interstate run. Hasn’t raced left-handed before but has the form on the board to suggest he will give this a shake.
Randwick Saturday July 23
Listed Winter Challenge 1500m:
SNIPPY FOX
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Chased home the smart WAIHAHA FALLS over 1200m at Randwick second-up and will appreciate stepping up to 1500m. Not well in at the weights but has tactical speed in a race that looks devoid of pace.
Doomben Saturday July 23
BM90 Handicap 1615m:
OCEAN TREATY
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Just missed in a career best first-up run over 1350m at Doomben and has won 3 from 4 second-up. However the rain could mean she is saved for another day.
BM75 Handicap 1615m:
SECRET TALES
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Brodie Loy
Comment: Kept on the fresh side since finishing fifth over 1350m at Doomben. Was doing her best work late there and is sure to appreciate the rise in distance, as well as the wet track.
Gold Coast Saturday July 23
QTIS 3YO Maiden Handicap 1200m:
CLASSIC BOOM
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Slow maturing filly who has shown ability at the trials. This looks a suitable starting point to her career.
