A character-building weekend with both THINK ABOUT IT and PRIVATE EYE not having much luck in their respective races at Randwick last Saturday.
But that is racing and there were some positives to take out of each performance with a view to the future.
PRIVATE EYE clocked the fastest last 200m of the meeting in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m) and will be ready to peak next start up in distance.
Despite tracking a wide course, THINK ABOUT IT ran the 4th fastest last 1000m of the day in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) indicating The Everest winner has come back in terrific order. He is set to progress to the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 23.
One runner of interest this week is SPIN DOCTOR (pictured), who returns from a spell at Eagle Farm on Saturday having trialled particularly well this preparation.
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SIRE (STILL) ON FIRE
WRITTEN TYCOON sired yet another Group 1 winner last weekend, prompting us to make him our sire on fire for the third consecutive week. His latest elite level winner – VELOCIOUS – proved a class above in the Sistema Stakes at Ellerslie, enhancing her imposing record to four wins and a third from just five starts. Everything points to WRITTEN TYCOON achieving a personal best season of stakes winners in 2023-24, 13 years after his first crop hit the racetrack.
BLACK BOOKER
PRIVATE EYE has struck two unsuitably run 1000m races this campaign but his late splits at both starts have been beyond commendable. Confident he is set to peak when he next steps out, providing the track is dry.
SLIPPER TIP
Our resident times analyst Nic Ashman commented on Monday;
“Switzerland’s last 200m on Saturday was the slowest of all 10 winners. No leaders won all day and he struggled to get past Straight Charge. The $2.50 about Storm Boy in the Slipper looks a good bet.”
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Goulburn Tuesday March 12
Maiden Plate 1400m
UNHOLSTERED
Joe Pride/Reece Jones
Comment: Didn’t look comfortable underneath horses last start at Wyong but should get more room to move here from barrier 8. This looks an easier maiden. Good each-way prospects.
Kembla Grange Friday March 15
Maiden Plate 1200m
BOTTLER
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Got tired late after leading last start at Newcastle. Ran the best last 800, 600, 400 and 200m of the race run before that against a handy field. Look for improvement.
Maiden Handicap 1500m
HOOD RIVER
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Gets to the races third-up for the first time plus goes out to 1500m. Should run a peak figure but this could be slightly tougher than her recent assignment.
Rosehill Saturday March 16
G3 Sky High Stakes 2000m
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Reece Jones
Comment: On the quick back-up after doing his best work late in the Randwick City Stakes when rising sharply in trip from 1400m to 2000m. Won this race two years ago and if the forecast rain arrives, is an each way chance at odds.
Eagle Farm Saturday March 16
Open Handicap 1200m
CONTEMPTUOUS
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Justin Huxtable
Comment: Hasn’t raced since Magic Millions day in January but loves being fresh (10:3-2-2). Won a trial in good style recently and if he turns up near his best should be in the mix.
BM70 Handicap 1400m
NAVAL TRADER
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Justin Huxtable
Comment: Ran the best late splits of the race from the 1000m to the post last start when coming off the pace to be narrowly beaten by the leader. Expect him to go close here.
3YO Handicap 1200m
SPIN DOCTOR
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Jag Guthmann-Chester
Comment: Made a winning debut at Eagle Farm before placing in the 2YO QTIS Jewel. First-up run in the spring was sound before pulling up lame last time. Trialled very well recently and expect him to be prominent in a tricky race.
Ipswich Saturday March 16
Class 2 Handicap 1200m
HANG FIVE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Closed off very strongly at his only run at Ipswich after being shunted wide around the corner. Yet to miss place in 4 first-up runs and looks a good each-way prospect.
