Proven Thoroughbreds will be represented by up to nine runners in the week ahead including a promising debutante from the Joe Pride stable.
ULTIMATE THINKER, a daughter of SO YOU THINK, was a $110k yearling and will step out for her first race start at Warwick Farm on Monday.
Joe has been upbeat about her prospects but you never really know until raceday! She has been patiently handled to date and will likely save her best performances for when she gets out to a mile.
Meanwhile the sales season is set to ramp up again with next month’s 2020 Inglis Classic Sale followed by the Magic Millions March QTIS Sale.
BLACKBOOKER: We don’t normally put winners in the blackbook but we’ll make SCALLOPINI an exception this week. This is a horse who is improving all the time – whenever the bar is raised he’s up for the challenge. Last Saturday’s landmark win in the Sunshine Coast Cup was his first stakes scalp and could prove to be the first of many as he continues to climb the grades. With a benchmark rating of 99, he’s now well placed to figure in some of the feature sprints during the Brisbane winter carnival.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners:
Warwick Farm Monday January 27
Maiden Plate 1100m:
ULTIMATE THINKER
Joe Pride/Christian Reith
Comment: On debut and shown ability at the trials. Probably wants further than 1100m but bears close watching.
Goulburn Tuesday January 28
Maiden Handicap 1200m:
SNIPPY FOX
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Didn’t figure on debut but was restrained from a wide gate in an on-pace dominated affair. Has trialled well since and rise to 1200m looks suitable. Can improve.
Maiden Plate 1400m:
AZOUSTIC
Joe Pride/Christian Reith
Comment: Held ground in a slowly run 1100m race last time out. Wants 1400m and should be at peak fitness third-up.
Eagle Farm Saturday February 1
BM70 Handicap 1600m:
MISSED THE ALARM
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Returns from a let-up after comfortably disposing of a Class 3 field over 2200m at the Gold Coast. Always runs well fresh and has won here before.
Class 3 Handicap 1200m:
INVIGORATING
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Disappointed when second-up from a long break. Has been freshened up since and worth another chance based on previous form.
Rosehill Saturday February 1
Highway Plate 1500m:
GREENSPAN
John Bateman/Billy Owen
Comment: Racing in great form and is building a strong association with Billy Owen. Looks ready for 1500m now and finished third at his only run here three starts ago.
Sunshine Coast Sunday February 2
Class 3 Handicap 1600m:
TOO HOT TO HOLD
Steve O’Dea/Boris Thornton
Comment: Drops in grade after racing in restricted room at Eagle Farm and couldn’t get a clear crack at them. She is better suited when afforded an uninterrupted run.
2YO Maiden Handicap 1200m:
TRAVOLI
Steve O’Dea/Ryan Maloney
Comment: On debut and still has a bit to learn based on his trials but has the ability and could jump out of the ground come raceday.
Sapphire Coast Sunday February 2
Bega Cup 1600m:
NICCONITA
John Bateman/Kayla Nisbet
Comment: Didn’t handle wet conditions at Canterbury last start. Gets back out to a mile which looks a plus.