Newly anointed Golden Slipper winning jockey Zac Lloyd will reunite with KING’S SECRET in the Group 2 Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill this Saturday.
With incumbent rider Andrew Adkins side lined by suspension, Lloyd climbs back aboard the Joe Pride-trained KING’S SECRET, just over three months after the pair combined to win over 1100m at Randwick in BM94 company.
The 4yo gelding found his way into nearly every punters’ blackbook after flashing home into third a fortnight ago in the Group 3 Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m). Bookmakers have KING’S SECRET at the top of all-in markets, ahead of last start winner GANGSTA GRANNY and stablemate KERGUELEN.
Elsewhere, Proven stalwart STOCKMAN has been nominated to make a low-key return to action at Flemington on Saturday however it is more than likely he will be saved for a hurdle race at Terang next week as he prepares for his second season over the jumps.
Newcastle’s Tuesday fixture will see a trio of runners for the Kerry Parker stable step out, including Provincial-Midway Championships Wild Card (1400m) contender WILD THOUGHTS. The son of SO YOU THINK will have maidens BANG ON TIME and MOVER AND SHAKER for company at the meeting.
Last week, Proven concluded its business at the Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale with two bargain priced colts for Charlotte Littlefield (READ MORE).
The final major yearling sale of the season is the Inglis Easter auction, which takes place at Riverside this coming Sunday and Monday.
Information on all of Proven’s latest acquisitions can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – SNITZEL
Another extraordinary weekend of results for the most prolific active sire of Group 1 winners. Four stakes winners, including Group 1 Galaxy heroine MARHOONA, has him on 13 stakes winners for the seasons, at least five clear of any other stallion on the premiership standings.
BLACK BOOKER – MELTDOWN
Although he was unplaced in his attempt to string together three consecutive wins last Saturday at Eagle Farm, his work to the line was encouraging and indicative of a horse ready to go up in trip. He’s yet to be proven beyond 1500m but 1800m next start looks ideal.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Eagle Farm Wednesday March 25
Class 3 Plate 1600m
ROCK THE SUNRISE
Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Ready for 1600m third-up and has run in the top four at five of his six starts at Eagle Farm. However at this crucial stage of his career, he really needs to be winning in this company.
Rosehill Saturday March 28
G3 Star Kingdom Stakes 1200m
KING’S SECRET
Joe Pride/Zac Lloyd
Comment: Resumed here with a flashing light in the Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m), finishing hard to grab third. Extra 100m suits and gets an in-form rider aboard. The one to beat.
Flemington Saturday March 28
BM84 Handicap 2000m
STOCKMAN
Symon Wilde/TBA
Comment: Should he resume here, it will be little more than a conditioning run as he readies for another season over the jumps. That said, he won the first trial of his life earlier this month and if the forecast rain arrives perhaps he could spring a surprise?
Sunshine Coast Sunday March 29
QTIS 3YO Maiden Handicap 1400m
EMPHATIQUE
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Returns from a freshen-up after going under as an odds-on favourite on a heavy track at the Gold Coast over this trip. Gets blinkers first time so worth another chance.
Newcastle Tuesday March 31
Provincial-Midway Championships Wild Card 1400m
WILD THOUGHTS
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Poked through late to finish 4th in restricted room over 1500m at Rosehill on Slipper day. On a 10-day back up however did win the last time he had a similar interval between runs. Back 100m a small query.
Midway Maiden Handicap 1250m
BANG ON TIME
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Coming off an excellent 2nd on debut earlier this month on a very heavy track. Interested to see how she goes on faster ground and with more race experience.
Maiden Handicap 900m
MOVER AND SHAKER
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Disappointed first-up at the Sapphire Coast when finishing 4th of 5 as an odds-on favourite. Fitter but needs to improve.
