A relatively quiet week ahead for Proven Thoroughbreds as racing transitions from the spring carnival to the summer carnival.
This week’s runners may be down on numbers but one of them is the returning STOCKMAN (pictured), who lines up in the $1 million Hunter (1300m) at Newcastle on Saturday. The Joe Pride-trained stayer is likely to find his opposition a touch sharp over this trip first-up but will be running on strongly, particularly if the forecast rain arrives.
STOCKMAN concluded his last preparation with back-to-back stakes victories (McKell Cup & Caloundra Cup). This campaign will include starts in the Group 2 Villiers Stakes (1600m) and Group 3 Summer Cup (2000m).
This Friday will see the return of night racing at Canterbury where the lightly-raced LITTLE RIVER is set to run in the BM72 Handicap (1200m).
Also running on Friday night will be RED RUBI at the Sunshine Coast. The Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted-trained mare produced an eye-catching fifth last start at Ipswich.
To ensure you stay up to date on all our available horses, join our mailing list by entering your name and email address at the bottom right section of the HOME page.
BLACKBOOKER
VANTAN EXPRESS was a beaten favourite at Ipswich last week but did a good job considering he had to make a long run first-up over 1350m. He will be much improved for that effort and will also be suited on a bigger track.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Canterbury Friday November 12
BM72 Handicap 1200m:
LITTLE RIVER
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Sound debut for this stable last month at Hawkesbury over 1100m. Raced like she is ready for 1200m now and is drawn to effect.
Sunshine Coast Friday November 12
BM70 Handicap 1000m:
RED RUBI
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Got too far back at Ipswich and once balanced up in the straight the race was all over. Much better suited back at the Sunshine Coast where she has won twice in three starts.
Newcastle Saturday November 13
The Hunter 1300m:
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: All reports are that he has come back in terrific order and this looks an attractive starting point for his preparation. Could sneak a place if the speed is on and the track is rain affected.
Kembla Grange Saturday November 13
BM64 Handicap 1600m:
BOMBARDEO
Kerry Parker/Blake Spriggs
Comment: Needs to lift on recent form. Hasn’t won since February but was only half a length off the winner two starts back.
Canberra Sunday November 14
Class 1 Handicap 1400m:
BOMBARDEO
Kerry Parker/Jean Van Overmeire
Comment: Needs to lift on recent form. Hasn’t won since February but was only half a length off the winner two starts back.
