All eyes will be on PRIVATE EYE this Saturday as he tackles the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m).
With COVID-19 still rampant in Sydney’s west, the Theo Marks Stakes meeting has been switched from Rosehill to Kembla Grange. It shouldn’t be of any consequence to PRIVATE EYE though, as he won his only start at the track back in August of last year.
Early markets on the $200,000 race have marked the Joe Pride-trained gelding as a $3.50 favourite. His performance on Saturday will determine whether he goes to the Bill Ritchie or Shannon Stakes as his final Epsom Handicap lead-up.
Known as ‘Spade’ around the stable, PRIVATE EYE is the only Proven Thoroughbreds/Pride Racing runner this week while our Brisbane stable of Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted will have seven runners in the black and lime green colours.
Consistent CONTEMPTUOUS and BETTER GET SET are down to contest the 1000m Class 3 Plate at Eagle Farm on Wednesday. At the same meeting, CANADIAN DANCER will be out to atone for a luckless debut in the QTIS 3YO Maiden Plate over 1400m.
Our NSW Provincial trainer Kerry Parker celebrated another feature win with THINK IT OVER last Saturday and we are hoping that momentum continues on Saturday at Goulburn where SO YOU SHOP has his first start for the stable.
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
TRAVOLI made a strong return to racing with a fast-finishing third at the Sunshine Coast last Sunday. For a horse who didn’t break his maiden until he stretched out to 1800m, his first-up effort over 1400m was very encouraging. Now a 4YO gelding, you would expect he’s come back a more mature horse and ready to go to the next level.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Eagle Farm Wednesday September 8
QTIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1400m:
CANADIAN DANCER
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Looked a good thing beat on debut. 1400m suits and can settle closer from a good draw.
Class 3 Handicap 1000m:
CONTEMPTUOUS
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Baylee Nothdurft
Comment: Looks well placed in midweek company after finishing second to a subsequent stakes placegetter. Drawn ideally and should be hard to beat.
BETTER GET SET
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: First-up off a strong trial win. May find the 1000m a bit sharp but will be rattling home late.
Kembla Saturday September 11
Group 2 Theo Mark Stakes 1300m:
PRIVATE EYE
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Top class horse who resumed with a stunning victory in the Show County at Randwick last start. Perhaps his biggest asset is that he can win on all track conditions over a range of distances. Deserved favourite.
Gold Coast Saturday September 11
BM68 Handicap 1400m:
ENRIQUE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Steps out as a 4YO for the first time after finishing within 4.2 lengths of INCENTIVISE last campaign. Yet to win first-up in two attempts but looks well placed.
Class 3 Handicap 1200m:
RICH LISTER
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Zac Lloyd
Comment: Got the job done as a short priced favourite last start and that can give her the confidence to go on with it here. 1200m appears to be her ideal trip and has tactical speed.
F&M Maiden Handicap 1100m:
ZOUHAVEN
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: First starter coming off some encouraging trial performances. A filly given time to mature and this looks a suitable starting point.
Goulburn Saturday September 11
CG&E BM64 Handicap 1200m:
SO YOU SHOP
Kerry Parker/Jeff Penza
Comment: First start for new stable having won three races in QLD. Finished runner-up in a recent trial and can sprint well fresh.
Sunshine Coast Sunday September 12
BM62 Handicap 1200m
HE KNOWS
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Baylee Nothdurft
Comment: Hasn’t been far away in two runs back this campaign and should be near enough to peak fitness now. His second to BATANGA’S ENTRY over this distance last preparation reads well for this.
