With rain lashing the Australian eastern seaboard, Proven Thoroughbreds is bracing for a compromised week of racing.
Our trainers have nominated runners at multiple meetings in anticipation of more wet weather in Sydney and Brisbane.
The big wet could also force a venue change for the Nowra Country Championships Qualifier, in which Proven Thoroughbreds has two potential starters.
While there may be a lull on the racing front, Proven Thoroughbreds has been busy at the Inglis Classic Sale, purchasing seven yearlings – taking our total amount of acquisitions for 2020 to 24.
BLACKBOOKER: WAR DECK returned with a slashing third at Canberra last week. The John Bateman-trained gelding ended his last preparation with a gutsy win and looks to have come back a better horse. Being a class one horse, Highway races will be ideal targets during the autumn months.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners:
Doomben Thursday February 13
Maiden Plate 1110m:
GOLDNEALA
Steve O’Dea/Boris Thornton
Comment: Her anticipated debut has been delayed by rain and it could be further put back with more wet weather predicted before Thursday. That said she won her trial on a soft (6) so could still make an appearance here if the meeting proceeds.
Class 2 Handicap 1350m:
INVIGORATING
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Has had three runs back since returning from an injury-enforced break. Suspect she felt the hard track last time when beaten 2.5 lengths over the 1200m at Eagle Farm. Well placed in this grade and will be in the finish providing the rain stays away.
Eagle Farm Saturday February 15
F&M Class 3 Plate 1200m:
INVIGORATING
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Has had three runs back since returning from an injury-enforced break. Suspect she felt the hard track last time when beaten 2.5 lengths over the 1200m at Eagle Farm. Well placed in this grade and will be in the finish providing the rain stays away.
BM80 Handicap 1800m:
MISSED THE ALARM
Steve O’Dea/TBA
Comment: Ran on soundly over a mile when two months between starts. That run will have brought back up to the mark and has won over this track and distance.
Sunshine Coast Sunday February 16
Class 3 Plate 1300m:
INVIGORATING
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Has had three runs back since returning from an injury-enforced break. Suspect she felt the hard track last time when beaten 2.5 lengths over the 1200m at Eagle Farm. Well placed in this grade and will be in the finish providing the rain stays away.
Maiden Handicap 1200m:
GOLDNEALA
Steve O’Dea/Boris Thornton
Comment: Her anticipated debut has been delayed by rain and it could be further put back with more wet weather predicted before Thursday. That said she won her trial on a soft (6) so could still make an appearance here if the meeting proceeds.
Nowra Sunday February 16
Country Championships Qualifier 1400m:
GREENSPAN
John Bateman/Samantha Clenton
Comment: Racing in career-best form and looks one of the leading chances in this race. However, would prefer to see the track return to the soft range.
SHOW ME THE HONEY
John Bateman/Jeff Penza
Comment: Hasn’t had the best of luck since a slashing first-up run at Randwick back in December. 1400m is his ideal trip and handles the sting out of the ground so must be included.
Showcase Maiden Handicap 1100m:
MACCOMO
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Debutant who has shown ability at the trials, although is unlikely to start his career on a rain-affected track.
