Classy sprinter SCALLOPINI returns to action at Doomben on Saturday as he embarks on another Queensland summer campaign.
The two-time stakes winner is set to resume in the Listed Keith Noud Quality (1200m) with Ben Thompson to ride at 59kg, unfortunately from a wide gate.
Co-trainers Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted have been delighted with SCALLOPINI’s preparation for Saturday’s first-up assignment, with one eye on the lucrative Magic Millions meeting in January.
SCALLOPINI’s last Magic Millions experience was a forgettable one. The son of Snitzel started one of the favourites in the Magic Millions Sprint (1200m) but lost all hope of winning when a rival runner, CHAMPAGNE CUDDLES, broke down in his lap and shunted him to the rear of the field.
Our other runners this week include first starter RICH LISTER, a three-year-old filly entered for a 1000m 3YO Maiden at the Sunshine Coast on Friday night, following an impressive trial win at the Gold Coast last month.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Hawkesbury Wednesday November 11
F&M Maiden Plate 1300m:
HIGH TRIBUTE
Joe Pride/Regan Bayliss
Comment: No luck at Nowra first-up when she missed the kick in a leader-dominated race. Has since won a trial and the rise to 1300m looks ideal.
Ipswich Wednesday November 11
Class 1 Plate 1200m:
TRIP THE LIGHT
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Didn’t handle wet conditions last start but was an impressive winner prior to that. Gets back on top of the ground here and has drawn to get favours in the run.
Sunshine Coast Friday November 12
Class 2 Handicap 1200m:
DON’T DESPAIR
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Best form over further but won well first-up last preparation, albeit in maiden company. Any rain about would assist his chances.
Class 1 Handicap 1400m:
GOLDNEALA
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Comes back in trip after failing to run out a mile last start. Her best runs have been at this distance so she’s a good chance to bounce back.
QTIS 3YO Maiden Handicap 1000m:
RICH LISTER
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Impressive trial winner against more experienced horses at the Gold Coast last month. 1000m looks a suitable starting point to her career.
Gold Coast Saturday November 14
BM65 Handicap 1400m:
THE GOLDEN HIND
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Coming off a slight setback after getting cast in his box. Probably looking for further but look for him to be running on late as he prepares for longer distances.
Doomben Saturday November 14
BM72 Handicap 1350m:
THE GOLDEN HIND
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Coming off a slight setback after getting cast in his box. Probably looking for further but look for him to be running on late as he prepares for longer distances.
Listed Keith Noud Quality 1200m:
SCALLOPINI
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Classy horse who’s only missed the top three once in seven fresh runs. Climbing up in the weights now with his high benchmark but seems to be improving with every preparation.
Canberra Sunday November 15
BM65 Handicap 1200m:
LAMINGTON DRIVE
John Bateman/TBA
Comment: Forgive run first-up when galloped on and not surprisingly finished at the rear. That was only the second time he has finished outside the top three in 12 runs so is certainly genuine enough to bounce back.
Class 1 Handicap 1400m:
AZOUSTIC
John Bateman/TBA
Comment: No luck last time when snookered on the rails and only getting clear running late. If he can get to the outside of runners this time he is a big chance.
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