Wet and wild weather in Sydney will preclude a large batch of our Joe Pride-trained horses from running this week but finer conditions in Brisbane will allow for a handful of O’Dea runners to fly the Proven Thoroughbreds flag.
Proven was due to have three runners at Wyong last Saturday but the meeting was abandoned due to rain deteriorating the track.
Trainer Joe Pride intends to trial SNIPPY FOX and ULTIMATE THINKER at Kembla on Wednesday (weather permitting) while the promising PRIVATE EYE is scheduled to return to Wyong next Tuesday for his delayed race debut.
As for this week, one of our more intriguing starters is TAMARACK (pictured), who has appreciated a change of scenery from Warwick Farm to Eagle Farm in recent weeks, finishing a solid third at his last outing. The six-year-old gelding will be in search of his 7th career win when he lines up in the 2150m Open Handicap on Saturday.
This week we announced a unique opportunity to race a newly acquired filly in partnership with trainer Steve O’Dea – READ MORE
BLACKBOOKER
INVINCIANO appreciated firmer footing on her home track of Warwick Farm last Wednesday, finishing a gallant third after leading. Though the race was conducted on a soft (6) it was a vast improvement from the heavy tracks she was faced with in her first two starts of the preparation. She normally takes a few runs to hit her peak so should be hitting her top next start.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners:
Eagle Farm Wednesday July 15
QTIS 2YO Handicap 1200m:
THINK GLORY
Steve O’Dea/Boris Thornton
Comment: Had her race debut delayed due to a minor setback but won her most recent trial in impressive fashion. May need the run given she is going straight to 1200m.
QTIS 2YO Maiden Handicap 1400m:
HE KNOWS
Steve O’Dea/Boris Thornton
Comment: Caught the eye on debut with a fast-finishing third over 1100m at Ipswich before falling victim to a slow pace last start at Doomben. Up to 1400m suits.
Ipswich Saturday July 18
Open Handicap 2150m:
TAMARACK
Steve O’Dea/Boris Thornton
Comment: Racing his way back into form since switching from Sydney to Brisbane. Only beaten 1.6 lengths in this company last start and gets out to an ideal distance.
Sunshine Coast Sunday July 19
BM68 Handicap 1000m:
INVIGORATING
Steve O’Dea/TBA
Comment: Fell short of expectations last campaign but seems to have come back in better form based on recent trials. Can pull out a run fresh.
BM68 Handicap 1600m:
DIPLOMATIC MISS
Steve O’Dea/Boris Thornton
Comment: Yet to recapture form from last year finishing out of the placings in four runs this preparation. Needs to lift here but gets her preferred track.
Goulburn Monday July 20
Maiden Handicap 1200m:
BOMBARDEO
John Bateman/TBA
Comment: Typical slow maturing New Zealand-bred whose only public trial was a good effort at Warwick Farm. Won a recent jumpout at Goulburn but may be looking for a touch further than 1200m.