Another exciting week of racing for the Proven team as we welcome back star galloper THINK ABOUT IT for his seasonal return to racing.
Undefeated in 2023 and a winner at nine of his 10 career starts, THINK ABOUT IT is set to resume in the $1 million Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday in what will be a dress rehearsal for the $20 million Everest back at Randwick on October 14.
Trainer Joe Pride is delighted with THINK ABOUT IT’s condition heading into Saturday’s event but is obviously mindful of having the gelding at his peak on Everest day a fortnight later.
Elsewhere, the Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted-trained FETCH makes her Melbourne debut at Moonee Valley’s feature meeting on Friday night. The five-time winner contests the first heat of the 55 Second Challenge over 955m which will serve as an undercard to stablemate UNCOMMON JAMES’ tilt at the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m).
Proven’s other runners this week include a two-pronged attack at Eagle Farm’s Saturday fixture with RED RUBI and NAVAL TRADER engaged.
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BLACK BOOKER
MERSEYSIDE hasn’t had a great deal of luck in two runs back this preparation. Will be near enough to peak fitness now and ideally would be well placed in a 1400m benchmark race.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Ipswich Wednesday September 27
BM68 Handicap 1350m
HANG FIVE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Justin Huxtable
Comment: Consistent type ready to win fourth-up from a spell. Finally drawn a barrier and has a class edge on most of his opposition. Just needs to get around the tight turning Ipswich track for the first time.
Moonee Valley Friday September 29
BM84 Handicap 955m
FETCH
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Damian Lane
Comment: Accomplished mare racing anticlockwise for the first time but has adapted well in her training whilst based at Flemington and her best form is over this distance range.
Sunshine Coast Friday September 29
QTIS 3YO BM65 Handicap 1000m
SHOT OF WHISKEY
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Freshened since disappointing in a Saturday race at Doomben. Drops back to provincial grade and gets blinkers on which hopefully sparks a return to form that saw him win by 3.3 lengths here on debut.
Randwick Saturday September 30
G2 Premiere Stakes 1200m
THINK ABOUT IT
Joe Pride/Sam Clipperton
Comment: What an excitement machine this horse is. Has trialled brilliantly for his seasonal return to racing where he will be shooting for his 10th win from 11 starts. However does clash with some race fit horses here so will have to be sharper than usual to continue his winning streak.
Eagle Farm Saturday September 30
BM85 Handicap 1200m
RED RUBI
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Racing well without winning of late. Finished off strongly last start to grab fourth in a leader-dominated affair over 1100m. The key for her will be if she can take up a closer position over 1200m and still produce her customary final 200m burst.
BM70 Handicap 1500m/NMW Handicap 1400m
NAVAL TRADER
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Appeared to have every chance last time but couldn’t quite reel in the leader. Started a hot favourite on that occasion so needs to bounce back.
Newcastle Saturday September 30
Maiden Handicap 1500m
COMBAT CRUSADER
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Didn’t get warm on debut over 1300m at Kembla Grange, finishing more than eight lengths astern of the winner. Looked very green in the run home so can only improve here but doubt we can consider him a winning chance at this early stage of his career.
Sunshine Coast Sunday October 1
Maiden Handicap 1200m
WITH INTENT
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Ran on strongly from the tail to grab third when first-up over 1000m here on September 10. 1200m suits and hasn’t been beaten by more than 1.7 lengths in three starts to date. Has her hoof on the till.
