Proven Thoroughbreds will have runners on five consecutive days this week, including two headline horses from the Joe Pride stable.
Promising filly RUBINOCCHI (pictured) resumes at Gosford on Wednesday, three days before STOCKMAN takes his place in the Group 3 Festival Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.
RUBINOCCHI won two from three last preparation, including a defeat of older horses as a 2YO in class 1 company. Her first run as a 3YO will be against older horses again but bookmakers are taking no risks with the daughter of RUBICK, installing her favourite for the 1000m scamper.
STOCKMAN may not be as high up in betting on the Festival Stakes but will likely get conditions to suit after running on strongly first-up on a good (4) at Newcastle in the $1 million Hunter (1300m).
A pair of debutantes from the Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted camp will also feature in the week ahead. WRITTEN TYCOON 3YO filly GOSSIP COLUMN heads to Doomben on Wednesday, while DUNDEEL 3YO filly GAP YEAR is set to kick off her career at the Sunshine Coast’s Sunday meeting.
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BLACKBOOKER
STELLAR MAGIC raced like a horse ready for 1200m last Saturday at the Sunshine Coast. She was off the bit and chasing a long way from home but was doing her best work late over the 1000m. That was her third consecutive run at five furlongs so hardly surprising she found some of her rivals a bit sharp. Fortunately the Listed Mode Plate in two weeks’ time is over 1200m and you’d have to think she’s going to be a major player.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Gosford Wednesday November 23
BM68 Handicap 1000m:
RUBINOCCHI
Joe Pride/Regan Bayliss
Comment: Classy filly resuming against older horses. First-up on a rain-affected track probably isn’t ideal but has tactical speed which is a big advantage in a small field.
Doomben Wednesday November 24
QTIS 3YO Fillies Maiden Plate 1110m:
GOSSIP COLUMN
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Tough ask from an awkward barrier around Doomben on debut but she’s a well-bred filly and has improved with every trial.
Wyong Thursday November 25
BM64 Handicap 1100m:
MACCOMO
Joe Pride/Tyler Schiller
Comment: Unlikely to make an impact first-up over this distance but is super consistent and will appreciate getting his toe in the ground. Wait for him to get up to the 1400m-1600m distance range where he will be able to roll forward at a high cruising speed.
Canterbury Friday November 26
BM78 Handicap 1250m:
SNIPPY FOX
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Another horse that has a liking for soft ground. Won her most recent trial and always puts in, however is resuming from a long spell so may be in need of the run.
Rosehill Saturday November 27
Group 3 Festival Stakes 1500m:
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Hit the line well in the Hunter fresh over 1300m. Can only improve up to 1500m on rain-affected going. Gets in well at the weights but obviously his best form is beyond 1600m.
Kembla Grange Saturday November 27
F&M Class 1 Handicap 1200m:
LITTLE RIVER
Joe Pride/TBA
Comment: Disappointed on soft ground at Canterbury last start. Travelled well in the run but found nothing when let off the bit. She’s much better than that and if the track dries out she can bounce back.
Ipswich Saturday November 27
Class 3 Handicap 1666m:
ENRIQUE
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Didn’t fire a shot in his first two runs back this preparation but improved sharply dropping in trip without the blinkers last time. Think the mile is about his best distance and gets that here. Any rain a plus.
Sunshine Coast Sunday November 28
Maiden Plate 1200m:
GAP YEAR
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/TBA
Comment: Debutante by DUNDEEL likely to find this distance a bit sharp. Look for her to be hitting the line late with a view to getting up over ground later on.
