Proven Thoroughbreds has 11 potential runners in the week ahead as we look to snap a frustrating sequence of placings.
Anyone in the racing game will tell you that luck inevitably fluctuates and in recent weeks it’s fair to say luck has deserted the black and lime green!
Indeed, the last 11 days have witnessed no less than 13 Proven placegetters, including TAMARACK’s photo finish second in the Listed Hawkesbury Ladies Day Cup (1400m).
On face value, we look to have a good chance of extending our yearly winners’ tally beyond 51 this week with some promising youngsters engaged including CENTRAL AMERICA and the unraced BETTER GET SET.
BLACKBOOKER: Unraced three-year-old SEBERTON made an impression in his first ever trial earlier this month. He was out the back early in the 800m heat before making up good ground in the home straight under minimal pressure. Most Joe Pride-trained horses are unsighted in their first trial so fair to say this bloke performed above expectations.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners:
Hamilton Tuesday November 12
Maiden Plate 1400m:
POLIZIOTTA
Archie Alexander/Neil Farley
Comment: Three-year-old filly on debut. Has shown ability on the track and finds a weak maiden here. Will be interesting to see how she performs.
Doomben Wednesday November 13
3YO Fillies Maiden Plate 1200m/Maiden Handicap 1350m:
CENTRAL AMERICA
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Looks just about ready to break through after two solid runs in her maiden preparation. Still learning how to settle but should take some holding out third-up.
Kyneton Friday November 15
Class 1 Handicap 1850m:
LAMINGTON DRIVE
Archie Alexander/Jake Noonan
Comment: He’s nothing if not consistent but badly needs another win. This race looks a perfect assignment to get him back on top of the podium.
Canterbury Friday November 15
F&M Benchmark 70 Handicap 1200m:
INVINCIANO
Joe Pride/Robbie Dolan
Comment: Beaten in the final hop at Gosford last start. Should be close enough to peak fitness now and won her maiden third-up last preparation.
Gundagai Friday November 15
Class 1 Showcase Handicap 1400m:
THE BLUESMOBILE
John Bateman/Shaun Guymer
Comment: Gave his all second-up at Goulburn and stuck on well for third. Will have taken significant improvement from that run and stays at 1400m third-up which should suit.
Class 3 Showcase Handicap 1180m:
NICCONITA
John Bateman/Shaun Guymer
Comment: Comes slightly back in trip after a leader bias at Goulburn consigned her to an unplaced finish in the Guy Walter. This is her right grade and if she gets luck in running, will be hard to beat.
Newcastle Saturday November 16
Benchmark 78 Handicap 1500m:
TAHSIN
Joe Pride/Robbie Dolan
Comment: Last start winner kept fresh for this which he is sure to appreciate. Robbie Dolan, who has won twice on the horse, stays aboard and a big track like Newcastle should see him put his best hoof forward again.
Sunshine Coast Saturday November 16
Mooloolaba Cup 1600m:
RECKLESS CHOICE
Steve O’Dea/Boris Thornton
Comment: Classy galloper coming off a luckless second at Eagle Farm on resuming from a let-up. Gets back out to his preferred distance and hasn’t finished further back than fourth in seven runs at this track.
Benchmark 80 Handicap 2200m:
MISSED THE ALARM
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Promising stayer who prevailed in a desperately close photo finish over 1815m last month. Rises sharply in trip but looks to possess natural stamina and gets in with an attractive weight again.
Class 3 Plate 1800m:
FRANCISCA
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Racing beyond a mile for the first time in her 23 start career but gives the impression she’s looking for the trip this preparation. Did all bar win last start when zooming late over a mile at Eagle Farm.
QTIS 2YO Handicap 1000m:
BETTER GET SET
Steve O’Dea/Boris Thornton
Comment: First starter who put in an impressive trial at Doomben earlier this month. Sure to be in the market and will be one of the main chances.
