The new racing season is upon us and Proven Thoroughbreds is set to welcome back a talented mare from the John Bateman stable.

NICCONITA (pictured) hasn’t been seen since winning impressively at Newcastle back in February but will make her long awaited return in Saturday’s Highway race at Randwick. Fortunately we’ve been able to secure the services of premier hoop Hugh Bowman.

Meanwhile trainer Joe Pride has had to reach into his bag of tricks with WAR DECK, as he plans to back up the gelding for the second successive week at either Goulburn or Wyong on Friday.

BLACKBOOKER: SO SPIRITED was desperately unlucky again at Eagle Farm last Saturday. He was squeezed out of a run at a crucial time and ultimately finished fifth. When you consider he had drawn the extreme outside barrier in his three previous starts, surely this gelding is due for a bit of luck because we think he has a Saturday win in him.


Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners:

Wyong Friday August 2

Maiden 1600m:

 WAR DECK

Joe Pride/Jay Ford

Comment: On the quick back-up for the second week running after again falling victim to a farcically slow race. His record is getting away from him now so needs to get a win on the board. Expect 1600m and a genuine tempo to suit.

Maiden 1350m:

 NIJINSKA

Joe Pride/Jay Ford

Comment: Disappointed second-up when beaten 2.5 lengths over 1300m at Goulburn last start. Loomed to win that day but didn’t go on with the job so is on notice.


Goulburn Friday August 2

Maiden 1600m:

WAR DECK

Joe Pride/TBA

Comment: On the quick back-up for the second week running after again falling victim to a farcically slow race. His record is getting away from him now so needs to get a win on the board. Expect 1600m and a genuine temp to suit.


Randwick Saturday August 3

Highway Class 3 Handicap 1200m:

 NICCONITA

John Bateman/Hugh Bowman

Comment: Talented mare resuming from a break. At her latest start she defeated the subsequent Goulburn Country Championships winner which reads well for this Highway event. With Bowman engaged she should get her chance to record an overdue Highway win.


Doomben Saturday August 3

Rating 0-70 Handicap 1350m:

 SIENNA ROSE

Steve O’Dea/Ron Stewart

Comment: Continued her strong form with a runner-up effort at Eagle Farm two Saturdays ago. Had to loop the field that day and just ran out of puff late. She should be cherry ripe now and will appreciate any rain about.


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