A busy start to the weekend will see half a dozen runners for Proven Thoroughbreds in 24 hours at Canterbury and Rosehill.
Debutante NICCONITA from John Bateman’s Goulburn yard lines up in the 3YO 1200m maiden at Canterbury Friday night alongside the John Thompson-trained GREENSPAN, stepping out as a gelding for the first time.
Promising staying mare BLANCO CARA also resumes on Friday, in the 1200m BM70, following an encouraging three-year-old campaign last season for the Thompson stable. Then in the 1550m BM70, stablemate TAHSIN will look to improve on a last start third at Warwick Farm.
On Saturday at Rosehill, veteran galloper GAMBLESTOWN plunges in weight to 53kg in the 1400m open handicap after three competitive runs in restricted company lumping in excess of 60kg. With in-form rider Jay Ford in the saddle, the Joe Pride-trained Darci Brahma gelding gets his chance to notch career win number six pending the weather and track condition.
Model of consistency SO SPIRITED (pictured) takes on Saturday company for the first time in the 1400m BM80, also benefitted by the Pride-Ford combination.
Midweek racing at Ipswich sees promising middle-distance mare SORNJA second-up over 1350m for our Queensland trainer Steve O’Dea, following an excellent second over 1200m on Melbourne Cup day.
On the trial front, the Pride duo THE EXCHEQUER and TAMARACK have practice hit-outs on their home track of Warwick Farm on Tuesday, whilst the O’Dea-prepared filly FRANCISCA has her second trial this preparation at Doomben on the same day.