The resuming RECKLESS CHOICE headlines Proven Thoroughbreds’ latest procession of runners.
The Steve O’Dea-trained gelding was seen trucking into third at the Doomben barrier trials on Tuesday morning, ahead of his scheduled first-up run in Saturday’s Class 6 Plate (1400m) at Eagle Farm.
Another starter of interest this week is STOCKMAN, who backs from an outstanding win over a mile at Wyong last Thursday.
Trained by Joe Pride, the three-year-old son of TAVISTOCK is set to tackle the 3YO BM74 Handicap (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Read the latest edition of IN THE BLOOD.
BLACKBOOKER
DIPLOMATIC MISS made an encouraging return to racing at the Sunshine Coast last Friday. After almost a year off the scene, the daughter of DECLARATION OF WAR made some late ground to finish four lengths from the winner over 1200m. She’d won three from her previous four starts so has the runs on the board to suggest she return to the winners’ circle in the near future.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners:
Sunshine Coast Wednesday May 20
Maiden Handicap 1800m:
SEFIRE
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Rises to 1800m for the first time in search of her maiden win. Hard to recommend on last run but first-up effort had merit.
Gold Coast Friday May 22
BM75 Handicap 1200m:
THE WILD ONE
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Going well and was only beaten in the shadows of the post last time. Should be ready to peak third-up.
QTIS 3YO Handicap 1800m:
SO YOU SHOP
Steve O’Dea/Baylee Nothdurft
Comment: Had little luck this preparation, running into dead ends at the business end of his races. Goes up to 1800m now for the first time but gives the impression it might suit.
Canberra Friday May 22
Maiden Handicap 1200m:
HINVICTUS
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Resumed with a sound third at this track on May 6. Can only improve second-up but needs to find that killer instinct.
FIGHT FOR LOVE
John Bateman/Blaike McDougall
Comment: Another galloper bursting for her first win. Has placed in three of her last five starts and been working well ahead of her first-up run here.
Randwick Saturday May 23
BM78 Handicap 1000m:
KYLEASE
Joe Pride/Jason Collett
Comment: We experimented in riding her off the pace in a recent trial and she went well enough to warrant changing her tactics on raceday. Expecting her to also appreciate some cut in the ground.
3YO BM74 Handicap 2000m:
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Sam Clipperton
Comment: Impressive winner over a mile at Wyong last start and is bred to relish getting out to 2000m. Definite hope in what is shaping as a competitive race.
Eagle Farm Saturday May 23
Class 6 Plate 1600m:
RECKLESS CHOICE
Steve O’Dea/Boris Thornton
Comment: Put in an excellent trial on Tuesday and looks set to run well fresh. Has never resumed over 1400m so will be interesting to see how he goes.
Nowra Sunday May 24
Maiden Showcase Handicap 1100m:
HINVICTUS
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Resumed with a sound third at Canberra on May 6. Can only improve second-up but needs to find that killer instinct.