A stacked weekend awaits Proven Thoroughbreds with a trio of Group runners across Sydney and Melbourne.
The Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) down the famous Flemington straight will be the stage for PRIVATE EYE’s return to racing on Saturday. The star galloper has been handicapped with 58kg so will certainly need to be at his best to join the likes of BLACK CAVIAR, HAY LIST and SHAFTESBURY AVENUE as winners of the race with at least 58kg.
Trainer Joe Pride will send PRIVATE EYE south on Thursday night in preparation for the $1.5 million event.
Also running at Flemington on Saturday will be the Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted-trained warhorse SCALLOPINI. The 8YO veteran will be shooting for his third Flemington 1400m win when he lines up in the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap.
Meanwhile in Sydney, STOCKMAN will have the chance to defend his Group 3 Sky High Stakes (2000m) crown at Rosehill but will be given no favours by the weather gods with warm and dry conditions predicted throughout the week. With regular jockey Sam Clipperton riding in Melbourne, in-form apprentice Dylan Gibbons has been handed the reins.
On the sales front, Proven left this week’s Melbourne Premier Sale with two yearlings for Joe Pride:
SO YOU THINK x CIRCUS filly – $75k + GST
STREET BOSS x ENCOSTAR colt – $270k + GST
For all current ownership opportunities please visit our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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BLACK BOOKER
NAVAL TRADER was desperately unlucky at Doomben last Wednesday. He started a prohibitively short favourite and was travelling like the winner only to be blocked for a run until the race was all over. He flashed home to grab second once he was clear and should have clearly won the race. Hopefully he can atone next outing.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Doomben Wednesday Mar 8
3YO Maiden Plate 1200m:
POLARISING
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Nikita Beriman
Comment: Drawn awkwardly but has revealed above average ability in two runs to date. Suspect she was in the worst part of the track last start when finishing fifth over the 1110m here. Looks ready for this distance rise and can break her maiden with even luck.
Class 3 Plate 1110m:
STELLAR MAGIC
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Drops back from Saturday grade and is a deserved favourite. Barrier one for a backmarker is potentially problematic but Ben Thompson is riding in inspired form and is on the best horse in the race.
Ipswich Friday Mar 10
Maiden Handicap 1350m:
CHICANE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Nothing went right for him on debut but hit the line solidly after being held up for a run in the straight. Can only improve from that outing and gives the impression he is looking for the 1400m.
Flemington Saturday Mar 11
Group 1 Newmarket Handicap 1200m:
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Brenton Avdulla
Comment: Faces a big task first-up with the 58kg topweight but his win over this track and distance when fresh last preparation was elite and a repeat of that performance would just about see him win this. Obviously will still need luck in terms of how the track is playing.
Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap 1400m:
SCALLOPINI
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Damian Lane
Comment: Flying at present. Loves this track and trip and is a proven weight carrier. Just needs to get into his rhythm and will be hard to beat.
Rosehill Saturday Mar 11
Group 3 Sky High Stakes 2000m:
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Dylan Gibbons
Comment: Won this race last year, albeit on a heavy track which he excels on. No chance of it being rain affected on Saturday but is going well enough to suggest he can figure somewhere in the finish.
Eagle Farm Saturday Mar 11
NMW Handicap 1400m:
THATFEELSBETTER
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Jaden Lloyd (a1.5)
Comment: Racing in great form. Beat all bar ENTERPRISE POMME last start and they comfortably beat the rest. Looks ready for 1400m now.
QTIS 3YO Handicap 1400m:
HANG FIVE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Ridden confidently in front last start and got the job done over this course and distance. Had no luck the start prior when unplaced as favourite. Capable of winning again.
Sunshine Coast Sunday Mar 12
Maiden Handicap 1200m:
WITH INTENT
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Ran on soundly to finish within 1.7 lengths of the winner on debut at the Sunshine Coast over 1000m. With natural improvement over the extra distance, she can win.
