Proven Thoroughbreds and leading rider Nash Rawiller will team up with three genuine chances this week.
On Saturday at Doomben, Rawiller partners old warrior PRIVATE EYE in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) and classy mare THE BLACK CLOUD in the Listed Bright Shadow (1100m) for the Joe Pride stable.
But before then, Rawiller will make a rare trip to Hawkesbury to continue his association with the potentially progressive BROADWAY STREET (pictured) for Kerry Parker. An impressive maiden winner at Kembla last month, BROADWAY STREET tackles a competitive Midway BM64 Handicap over 1400m.
Parker also saddles up SAKURIOUS at Hawkesbury’s Thursday meeting which will be Proven’s first 2yo runner of the season, following the late scratching of SUMMER VIBE last Sunday.
Whilst trainer Matt Hoysted ponders a revised debut race for SUMMER VIBE, he will send out another unraced 2yo – RULE THE NIGHT – at the Gold Coast’s Saturday card.
Meantime down at Flemington, FLYING BANDIT lines up in Saturday’s $300,000 Group 3 Andrew Ramsden (2800m). Whilst this race grants automatic Melbourne Cup qualification to the winner, the race is primarily being targeted as it will give ‘The Bandit’ a chance to show his wares on a suitable track over a distance he has never raced over but given every impression he is crying out for it.
Other runners of note this week include promising 3yo WEEKDAY FLYER, who is backing up at Kembla on Saturday after running an eye-catching 2nd at the same venue seven days prior.
Nic Ashman’s latest SECTIONALS REVIEW article analyses the wins of MEASURE UP and PONTEVICO last week early markets on the Doomben 10,000.
Information on all of Proven’s latest acquisitions can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – PRIDE OF DUBAI
What a day this stallion had on Saturday! DESERT LIGHTNING claimed a thrilling renewal of the Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville before PRIDE OF JENNI did what she does best, leading all the way in the G2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast.
BLACK BOOKER – PONTEVICO
Always encouraging when a horse can break their maiden early in their career. Even more encouraging when they do so by coming from last. Yes, the tempo of the race allowed for that, but this 3yo gelding made his run on the worst part of the track and still went on to win by three quarters of a length. He’s a big horse who will likely appreciate getting out to seven furlongs next time.
RUNNERS THIS WEEK
Ipswich Wednesday May 13
BM78 Handicap 1100m
TOWN CRIER
Matt Hoysted/Fiona Sandkuhl (a3)
Comment: Drawn wide around a tight circuit but possess good early speed and will appreciate 3kg of weight relief courtesy of the apprentice’s claim. Beaten just over a half a length in this grade with 60kg when resuming last preparation.
BREAK FREE
Matt Hoysted/Daniel Moor
Comment: Just missed fresh-up over 1200m at Doomben after travelling last at the 400m mark. Back slightly in trip at an unfamiliar track the obvious query but is going well.
Hawkesbury Thursday May 14
2YO Maiden Plate 1100m
SAKURIOUS
Kerry Parker/Regan Bayliss
Comment: First starter. Given a quiet trial on her home track in preparation for this. Facing up against some well schooled 2yos but wouldn’t shock to see her figure in the finish.
Midway BM64 Handicap 1400m
BROADWAY STREET
Kerry Parker/Nash Rawiller
Comment: Impressive winner over 1200m at Kembla when resuming from a break. Extra distance suits and got a look of Hawkesbury in a sound debut last preparation but will need to improve again to be winning against some more seasoned rivals here.
Doomben Saturday May 16
G1 Doomben 10,000 1200m
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Nash Rawiller
Comment: Resumed with a fighting 3rd in the G3 Hall Mark Stakes at Randwick last month. That was his first run over six furlongs since October 2024. Stays at 1200m here but that run might have sharpened him up now and his recent trial was electric. It would also appear he has finally drawn a favourable barrier!
L Bright Shadow Stakes 1100m
THE BLACK CLOUD
Joe Pride/Nash Rawiller
Comment: Fast mare coming out of Group 1 company in the Galaxy where she was only beaten a length. The form out of the race is stacking up nicely with multiple subsequent winners and placegetters emerging in recent weeks. 1100m is the limit of her distance range these days but will be aided by the inside alley.
Flemington Saturday May 16
G3 Andrew Ramsden 2800m
FLYING BANDIT
Kerry Parker/Beau Mertens
Comment: Found some form in the Wagga Cup last start, running home powerfully into third. Looks ready for 2800m now and a dry surface at Flemington will be to his liking.
Kembla Grange Saturday May 16
Midway Maiden Plate 1600m
WEEKDAY FLYER
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Made huge improvement from her debut to second start, claiming runner-up honours in an unsuitable race over 1400m. Will relish the mile now and stays at her home track. Hard to beat.
F&M Maiden Handicap 1200m
SOUTHERN GRACE
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Coming off a sound debut performance over 1000m here last month, finishing an eye-catching 4th. Fitter and looks sure to improve going up to 1200m.
BM64 Handicap 1500m
WILD THOUGHTS
Kerry Parker/TBA
Comment: Didn’t quite see out the 1900m at Newcastle last start so reverting to 1500m on his home track looks a favourable set up. Yet to win in six starts this campaign but has his fair share of ability.
Gold Coast Saturday May 16
QTIS 2YO Maiden Handicap 1200m
RULE THE NIGHT
Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Got up to the trial stage last preparation so good to see him make the progression to raceday this time in. Gives the impression he will ultimately want further than 1200m but this looks a suitable starting point.
