SHOT OF WHISKEY upstaged his more fancied stablemate FORTUNEER in a Proven/Matt Hoysted quinella at Eagle Farm on Friday.
Despite blowing like a gale in the betting ($8.50 – $13), SHOT OF WHISKEY led throughout the 1200m BM78 contest while $1.80 favourite FORTUNEER chased in vain, finishing just under a length away in second.
The last time Proven and Hoysted quinella’ed a race was the 2022 Listed Princess Stakes (1600m) at Doomben where CANADIAN DANCER defeated TERANGA.
The finishing order of our latest quinella may not have been what the market was expecting, but there’s no denying that SHOT OF WHISKEY is a horse in form. Since returning from a spell in July, the 4yo son of SPIRIT OF BOOM has recorded three wins and a second from five starts.
SHOT OF WHISKEY & FORTUNEER complete a Proven/Hoysted quinella at Eagle Farm. Not the order the market expected them to finish but a great result all the same. SHOT OF WHISKEY has now won 3 of his last 5 starts! @hoystedracing @mmsnippets @WestburyStud @BrisRacingClub pic.twitter.com/AuEEpdfKRC
— PR🟢VEN Thoroughbreds (@ProvenTbreds) September 20, 2024
Rider Justin Stanley, who has been aboard the gelding in two of his last three victories, timed his ride to perfection.
“He was a fraction slow to begin but he was able to muster through quite easily and led comfortably,” Stanley said.
“I had a nice couple of furlongs mid race where he was able to have a breather.
“He tracked well into the straight without being under pressure and then he gave a nice kick.”
A $150,000 yearling from Westbury Stud’s draft at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, SHOT OF WHISKEY becomes Proven’s 47th winner for the calendar year and 6th for the 2024-25 season.
