3YO filly BETTER GET SET (pictured) gets her chance to break through in Saturday metropolitan grade at Doomben this weekend.
The Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted-trained galloper has been racing in great spirit this preparation, highlighted by a fast-finishing fourth in the $500,000 QTIS 3YO Jewel at the Gold Coast last month.
Being a QTIS filly, BETTER GET SET will be racing for a first prizemoney cheque of $79,450 – the same figure stablemate SECRET TALES banked last Saturday when victorious at Eagle Farm.
This weekend will also see a pair of debutants step out for Proven Thoroughbreds – VANTAN EXPRESS and MERSEYSIDE at Sunday’s Sunshine Coast meeting. Both have shown above average ability at the trials but like all horses, will need to bring that form to the pressure-cooker of raceday.
Meanwhile, the 2021 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale is underway at Riverside and Proven struck early on the first day with lot 51 – a grey colt by MERCHANT NAVY from ROSES FOR DEB (HIGH CHAPARRAL).
The colt was purchased for $120k from the draft of Fernrigg Farm. Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted will be the trainers.
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BLACKBOOKER
BOMBARDEO bounced back into form when rattling home into second at Wagga on Monday. The son of EL ROCA had begun his campaign in fine style with a win over 1200m at Canberra but had finished out of the placings in two subsequent starts. Rising to 1400m at Wagga obviously suited the 4YO gelding as he came with a swooping run to finish within three-quarters of a length of the winner. A fast-run mile looks a suitable race for him now.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Canterbury Wednesday April 7
F&M BM72 Handicap 1200m:
SNIPPY FOX
Joe Pride/Regan Bayliss
Comment: Honest mare first-up since October. Yet to win fresh and will be better suited over a touch further but a favourable barrier could see her give this a shake.
BM88 1550m Handicap:
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Regan Bayliss
Comment: Resuming stayer being prepared for winter cups. Likely to find others too slick here but will be doing his best work late. The forecast rain certainly won’t hurt his chances.
Doomben Saturday April 10
QTIS 3YO Handicap 1615m:
BETTER GET SET
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: In-form mare deserving of a win this prep. Had no luck fresh before running fourth in the QTIS Jewel and then just gound one better last time. Rising to a mile on a drying track could be key here.
Gold Coast Saturday April 10
Class 1 Handicap 2200m:
TRAVOLI
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Emerged a dominant victor in maiden company here over 1800m last outing. No reason to say he won’t handle the extra 400m.
Sunshine Coast Sunday April 11
Class 2 Plate 1000m:
CONTEMPTUOUS
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Finds a very winnable race following a pair of solid placings in city grade. Expecting him to start favourite and be hard to beat.
QTIS 2YO C&G Maiden Handicap 1000m:
VANTAN EXPRESS
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Baylee Nothdurft
Comment: Shown promise at the trials. If he can convert that to raceday he’s sure to be in the mix.
QTIS 2YO F&M Maiden Handicap 1000m:
MERSEYSIDE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Nice filly likely to need time but has been trialling well ahead of her debut.
COME CLEAN
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Spelled after finishing fourth as favourite in a 900m 2YO Maiden back in October. Sure to have improved during her break and has indicated ability at the trials.
