The highlight of this week will be the inaugural ‘The Gong’ meeting at Kembla Grange where Proven Thoroughbreds will be represented by three runners.
TAMARACK (pictured), runner-up in a deceptive photo finish to Hawkesbury’s Ladies Day Cup (1600m) earlier this month, is likely to get a run in The Gong (1600m) which carries a healthy purse of $1 million.
Four other horses will fly the Proven Thoroughbreds flag over the next seven days including THE BLACK TIDE, who has finished in the quinella at her last three starts.
BLACKBOOKER: CENTRAL AMERICA was bailed up behind runners for most of the Doomben straight last start which saw her finish a luckless fourth. Her inexperience may also have been a factor that day but clearly has above average ability. Hopefully up to 1400m next start she can break through for a deserved maiden victory.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners:
Toowoomba Wednesday November 20
F&M BM65 Handicap 1300m:
THE BLACK TIDE
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Consistent mare who appears to have found a couple of lengths as an on-pacer. She has begun brilliantly in her last three starts and finished in the quinella at each run. Strikes a small field here and a valuable 1.5kg claim courtesy of Stephanie Thornton.
Hawkesbury Thursday November 21
Class 2 Handicap 1300m:
GREENSPAN
John Bateman/TBA
Comment: Received a pass mark first-up at Goulburn over a trip short of his best. Finished third over 1200m in BM70 grade at Newcastle last preparation so would be reasonable to expect an improved showing here.
Gosford Saturday November 23
F&M Maiden Handicap 1200m:
FIGHT FOR LOVE
Joe Pride/Chad Lever
Comment: Remains a maiden from six starts but been placed twice including her most recent effort when beaten half a length over 1300m at Orange. Comes back to 1200m which should suit.
Kembla Saturday November 23
The Gong 1600m/BM88 Handicap 1600m:
TAMARACK
Joe Pride/Nash Rawilller
Comment: Going well this preparation and was only narrowly beaten in stakes company last start. Stays at a mile third-up but he may not be the stayer we once thought he was. Joe has taken a different approach with him this time in and so far it appears to be working.
BM88 Handicap 1600m:
TAHSIN
Joe Pride/Glen Boss
Comment: Backs up from Newcastle last Saturday where he finished fifth in BM78 company. Rises in grade again but gets significant weight relief and has run well at this track previously (a win and a third in two starts).
F&M BM78 Handicap 1200m:
KYLEASE
Joe Pride/Nash Rawiller
Comment: Returns from a freshen-up after two runs in midweek company that ultimately fell short of expectations. However, with the benefit of hindsight she may have bumped into a smart one in California Zimbol. But perhaps more significantly, she goes straight to 1200m here which should allow for an easier tempo in front.
Sunshine Coast Sunday November 24
BM62 Handicap 1400m:
TOO HOT TO HOLD
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: With two wins in 18 starts, this mare doesn’t win out of turn but she has placed on seven occasions and has tasted success at metropolitan level. Should be ready to fire now she is third-up.
