An established topliner and an emerging one form a two-pronged stakes attack for Proven Thoroughbreds at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Veteran galloper PRIVATE EYE (pictured) makes his anticipated return to racing in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) while up and comer FLYING BANDIT will be chasing back-to-back stakes victories when he lines up in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m).
On the same day at Rosehill, PRIVATE EYE’s little brother KING’S SECRET is set to make his metropolitan debut following a 1st and 2nd in two runs this campaign.
This week also marks Proven’s first 2yo runner of the season. The Matt Hoysted-trained CHAMPAGNE LANE heads to the Sunshine Coast on Friday on the back of a comfortable trial win earlier this month. Joining her at the meeting will be promising stablemate BREAK FREE and last start winner ZATANNA.
In terms of recent results, it was a strong week with 3yos INDEFENSIBLE and COLUMBIA BLUE breaking their maidens in good style, while ELIVINA kept herself in contention for next month’s Queensland Oaks with a slashing 4th over 1800m at Randwick.
This week’s SECTIONALS REVIEW (authored by form analyst Nic Ashman) previews a potential clash between Doomben Cup hero ANTINO and VIA SISTINA in the spring.
Information on all of Proven’s 2025 yearlings can be viewed on our AVAILABLE HORSES page.
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SIRE ON FIRE – HARRY ANGEL
Produced a metro double on Saturday including Group 3 victor and now leading Stradbroke chance WAR MACHINE. Several other city winners plus a Hong Kong winner this month has this stallion leading the Third Season Sires Premiership by prizemoney, stakes winners and stakes wins.
BLACK BOOKER – ELIVINA
Ran a cracking 4th over 1800m at Randwick last Saturday, in what was an ideal Queensland Oaks trial. Now she just needs a bit of luck to make the field.
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
Doomben Wednesday May 28
Maiden Plate 1200m
MELTDOWN
Matt Hoysted/Jag Guthmann-Chester
Comment: Resuming. Very green in only previous start when 5th as favourite over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast. Will likely have to go back from the wide draw here.
Sunshine Coast Friday May 30
2YO Fillies Maiden Plate 1000m
CHAMPAGNE LANE
Matt Hoysted/Nikita Beriman
Comment: Promising filly fitted for her debut with some impressive trials. Seemed to get through Heavy (8) conditions in her latest trial at Deagon so should handle the surface if the forecast rain arrives.
BM65 Handicap 1000m
ZATANNA
Matt Hoysted/Fiona Sandkuhl (a3)
Comment: Bounced back to form when leading throughout on the synthetic Gold Coast track. Hasn’t raced on anything worse than a soft (6) which is some query given the predicted weather conditions.
BM60 Handicap 1000m
BREAK FREE
Matt Hoysted/Nikita Beriman
Comment: Talented type. Effortlessly won her first two starts before doing a bit wrong in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate. This looks aa very attractive kick off point for her preparation.
Eagle Farm Saturday May 31
G1 Kingsford Smith Cup 1300m
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Nash Rawiller
Comment: Star galloper having his first start since December. At this stage of his career, 1300m first-up looks ideal and more importantly, has finally drawn a favourable gate.
G3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup 2400m
FLYING BANDIT
Kerry Parker/Jay Ford
Comment: Rapidly improving stayer coming off an outstanding victory in the Wagga Cup over 2000m. A month between runs going up to 2400m for the first time is some query but Kerry Parker is very confident he has the horse in top shape.
Rosehill Saturday May 31
BM78 Handicap 1500m
LITTLE COINTREAU
Joe Pride/Alysha Collett
Comment: Coming off an unlucky 3rd at Warwick Farm last week, when held up for a run on a very heavy surface. Rises to 200m now which suits and if the track continues to dry out, he is a genuine each-way chance.
3&4YO BM72 Handicap 1100m
KING’S SECRET
Joe Pride/Andrew Adkins
Comment: Impressive winner first-up before being narrowly beaten when staying at 1000m. Ready for 1100m now and plunges in weight. He’s another that will improve if the track gets back into the soft range.
Sandown Sunday Jun 1
BM120 Hurdle 3400m/L Sandown Cup 3200m
STOCKMAN
Symon Wilde/TBA
Comment: Very brave in his jumps debut, going down narrowly over the Warrnambool carnival. Looks well placed in whichever race he contests at this meeting.
