Proven Thoroughbreds will be represented in stakes races in both Sydney and Brisbane this weekend, with weather set to play a key role.
After a spate of dry tracks, Sydney is predicted to receive up to 75mm of rain between Tuesday and Saturday which is music to the ears of STOCKMAN’s ownership group as they chase an overdue win at Rosehill on Saturday.
STOCKMAN has endured firmer than preferred surfaces in all five of his starts this preparation but the stars (or clouds!) may finally be aligning for his tilt at the Listed Christmas Cup (2400) – a race he last contested in 2020 when fifth on a good (3) track.
Meanwhile, Brisbane also has some rain forecast early in the week but with hot weather predicted for Thursday and Friday, the track will likely be ok for Tails Stakes contender OCEAN TREATY (pictured), who has won on surfaces ranging from a good (3) to soft (7).
As we enter the final month of 2023, next year’s sales catalogues are starting to be rolled out including Magic Millions Gold Coast, Inglis Classic and NZB Karaka so there is plenty of work to be done before the sales season!
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BLACK BOOKER
BETTER GET SET was poorly treated at the weights on resuming in the Listed Tattersalls Classic (1200m) but beat all bar the flying COMRADE ROSA. She didn’t have the clearest of passages either, forced to come off heels in the straight which halted her momentum at a crucial point of the race. She typically improves deeper into her preparation so looking forward to see her progress towards the Magic Millions mares race in January.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Sunshine Coast Friday December 1
BM65 Handicap 1400m
DEEP CLEAN
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Emily Lang (a)
Comment: Slow away (again) first-up but was doing her best work late to finish within a couple of lengths of the winner. Proven over this track and distance having won at the end of last preparation.
Doomben Saturday December 2
Listed Tails Stakes 1600m
OCEAN TREATY
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Great opportunity to post a deserved stakes win. Two runs back from a spell have been strong and she should be cherry ripe for this third-up.
Pierata Plate 1200m
TOWN CRIER
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Pulled up with cardiac arrhythmia when finishing fifth as favourite over 1000m at Eagle Farm. Sound trial since and gets out to 1200m which should suit. Up in grade but doesn’t appear to be the strongest edition of the race.
Rosehill Saturday December 2
Listed Christmas Cup 2400m
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Reece Jones
Comment: Too bad to be true last time when second last at Newcastle in the Beauford. That was on a good (4) surface and rider commented he may have erred in not riding him more vigorously. Looks as though he will finally get a wet track after five consecutive runs on good. Can bounce back based on his soft/heavy stats.
Newcastle Saturday December 2
Super Maiden Handicap 1600m
SLIPSTREAMING
Joe Pride/Alysha Collett
Comment: Looks poised to break through following two encouraging runs back from a spell, the latest of which she had to come from last before finishing within three-quarters of a length of the winner. Having her second run at a mile now so should be hard fit.
Hawkesbury Sunday December 3
4YO&UP BM64 Handicap 1300m
LICHESTER
Joe Pride/Sam Clipperton
Comment: Run off her feet first-up over 1200m at Kembla. Can only improve second-up to this trip and likely to get preferred track conditions with some rain forecast.
Maiden Plate 1300m
LITTLE COINTREAU
Joe Pride/Sam Clipperton
Comment: First-up. Placed in four of his five career starts and will hopefully have his consistency rewarded with an overdue win here.
