This week the sales circuit moved to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions March QTIS Sale following a fruitful few days on the racetrack.
Wins to MOONLIGHT GAMBLER and MOONFLEET preceded Monday’s rescheduled QTIS auction which was delayed from its original date due to Cyclone Alfred.
During the opening day of trading, Proven and Matt Hoysted combined to purchase lot 54 – an eye-catching colt by BETTER THAN READY out of SNITZEL mare SUMMER GLEN.
We identified this colt as an ideal ladies-only horse so we promptly announced his eligibility for the Magic Millions Racing Women’s bonus which allocates $750,000 in added prizemoney to the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and Magic Millions 3YO Guineas. This is our first ladies only syndicate in four years and follows the success story of GOTTA KISS. For more details on this exciting opportunity CLICK HERE.
The next cab off the rank on the sales calendar is Inglis Easter which will run from April 6-7 and is the last major yearling auction for 2025.
Proven’s runners this week include resurgent mare HEYOKA (pictured), who can record her fourth win from five starts this preparation when she heads to Doomben on Saturday. After winning impressively on debut at Eagle Farm in December 2023, the daughter of SPIRIT OF BOOM seemed to lose her way for the remainder of her 3yo season, managing only a third placing in four subsequent starts. However since turning 4, she has really hit her straps which is a credit to the Hoysted stable.
Meanwhile at Wyong’s Saturday fixture, the Joe Pride-trained ICONIC TREASURE can record a deserved win after going down by the barest of margins over the same track and trip last start.
HEYOKA and ICONIC TREASURE form part of a string of seven runners for Proven between Thursday and Monday.
This week’s SECTIONALS REVIEW article analyses Golden Slipper day, including the credentials of gun 3yo fillies AUTUMN GLOW and AELIANA.
Information on all of Proven’s 2025 yearlings can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – SNITZEL
Impossible to go past SNITZEL this week. MARHOONA delivered the grand old stallion his third Golden Slipper, which is more than any other sire this century, and bettered only by DANEHILL and STAR KINGDOM (five each).
BLACK BOOKER – FLYING BANDIT
Resumed in the Kembla Grange Provincial Qualifier and upon reviewing the race, it’s fair to say he was beaten only by the barrier. From gate 13, we were forced to go back and make a searching run around the field before being carted wider and wider in the home straight. According to Racing NSW’s GPS tracking data, FLYING BANDIT travelled a further distance than any other rival in the race and yet was only beaten a length as he rattled off the fastest last 600m of the race. Whilst it was disappointing to narrowly miss qualification for the final, trainer Kerry Parker can now prepare the gelding for long distance races, which is ultimately what he is looking for.
BET WITH NIC
Our times analyst Nic Ashman will be publishing his popular best bet for Saturday’s racing on Friday.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Gosford Thursday March 27
Maiden Handicap 1100m
IMA CAPRI
Joe Pride/Alysha Collett
Comment: Been thereabouts in two career starts, finishing a close up third on debut before narrowly missing a place at Goulburn over 1000m. Looks ready for 1100m now and will make his own luck up on the pace.
Wyong Saturday March 29
BM68 Handicap 1200m
ICONIC TREASURE
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Just pipped on the post in a terrific return to form over this track and trip last start. On a 10-day turn around but has previously won on a nine day back-up so should be ready to show his best.
Flemington Saturday March 29
Listed Roy Higgins 2600m
STOCKMAN
Symon Wilde/Luke Currie
Comment: Didn’t shirk the task when finishing seventh over 2500m around the Valley in what was his first start for the Symon Wilde stable. Has caught the eye in two jumps trials since and this is another necessary conditioning run before he has his first official start over the hurdles next month.
Doomben Saturday March 29
BM70 Handicap 1350m
HANG FIVE
Matt Hoysted/Cody Collis (a2)
Comment: Yet to fire in three runs this preparation but this represents a substantial drop in grade and has placed in five of his six career runs at Doomben. Wide gate a concern but look for an improved showing.
F&M BM70 Handicap 1350m
HEYOKA
Matt Hoysted/Cody Collis (a2)
Comment: In form mare shooting for her fourth win in five starts this campaign. At her most recent outing she comfortably disposed of BM65 rivals and rises only 1.5kg here. Hard to beat again.
Gold Coast Saturday March 29
Class 4 Handicap 1200m
CARTWHEELS
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Brilliant winner first-up over 1200m at the Sunshine Coast but offered little when going to 1400m second-up at Eagle Farm. Back to 1200m is probably more her go and if the forecast rain arrives, her chances are only enhanced.
Kilcoy Monday March 31
QTIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1200m
TINTAURA
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Coming off a very sound debut when working home into fifth over 1200m at Eagle Farm. Strikes a winnable race in country grade, only concern would be if she’s looking for further now.
