Epsom hero PRIVATE EYE makes his long awaited return to the racetrack on Saturday for the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick.
The 4YO gelding has been fitted with three trials in preparation for the race however the prospect of more rain is far from ideal for a horse having their first run since the beginning of November.
The Randwick track was rated a heavy (10) at acceptance time on Wednesday with more rain predicted. If the track continues to deteriorate, officials have the option to put the races back a week, like they did around this time last year.
In south-east Queensland, the conditions are even worse with many parts of the region still underwater following a deluge over the weekend. Wednesday’s meeting will be conducted on the polytrack while it is hoped Saturday’s Doomben meeting can still proceed as normal.
As frustrating as the weather has been, we are very fortunate that all our horses remain safe and out of flood zones. The same can’t be said for everyone in the industry. So in the scheme of things an interrupted racing preparation is only a minor inconvenience.
In other news, we are looking forward to our Joe Pride Open Morning at the Inglis Riverside complex on Sunday March 13. A wide selection of our Sydney-based yearlings, including our three most recent purchases from the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale, will be paraded. Clients, newcomers, friends and family are all welcome. Details on the event can be found HERE.
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BLACKBOOKER
No blackbooker this week.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Sunshine Coast Wednesday March 2
BM65 Handicap 1100m:
HE KNOWS
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Jaden Lloyd
Comment: Talented horse but likely to find the 1000m a bit sharp first-up, just as he did last preparation. Needs the speed on up front to produce his best.
Sunshine Coast Friday March 4
QTIS 3YO Maiden Handicap 1000m:
FIERY EXCHANGE
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Resuming. Trialled well recently for this and looks to have taken natural improvement from her first preparation.
Randwick Saturday March 5
Group 1 Canterbury Stakes 1300m:
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Regan Bayliss
Comment: Looks to have come back in tremendous order. His three trials will have him ready for the 1300m first-up however a heavy (10) surface under weight-for-age conditions won’t be easy. Has bigger targets deeper into the autumn but certainly wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish.
Doomben Saturday March 5
BM72 Handicap 1110m:
RICH LISTER
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/Jaden Lloyd
Comment: Dominant winner last start when taking a split inside the final 200m mark and racing away. Faces similar opposition over the same track and distance so must be a strong chance again.
Gold Coast Saturday March 5
Class 1 Plate 1400m
MY SHAMANA
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Slow away last time and had to spend a bit of petrol to take up a position. Did a good job down to hold down third and worth another chance based on her impressive first-up victory. Yes 1400m.
BM58 Handicap 1200m:
COME CLEAN
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Resuming. Won first-up last campaign but that was on a good 4, doubt she will be racing on anything other than a heavy here.
BM60 Handicap 900m:
TRIP THE LIGHT
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Beaten in a narrow three-way go at Ipswich last time. Has performed well on rain-affected tracks in the past and can figure in the finish again if she gets her own way in front.
Sunshine Coast Sunday March 6
F&M Class 1 Handicap 1200m:
COME CLEAN
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Resuming. Won first-up last campaign but that was on a good 4, doubt they will race on anything other than a heavy here.
SALTOREE
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Has finished just behind the placegetters in two runs back this campaign. Should be ready to peak now and gives the impression she will handle wet ground.
Class 6 Handicap 1200m:
CONTEMPTUOUS
Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Shooting for four on the trot. Has wet track form but generally races better on top of the ground. Has won twice first-up.
