Proven Thoroughbreds has some unfinished business in the Listed Mode Stakes and we are hoping either STELLAR MAGIC or FETCH can help rectify that on Saturday.
It was in the 2016 edition of the 3YO fillies feature when Proven’s CANDIKA finished an agonisingly close runner-up to subsequent Group 1 placed filly ECKSTEIN (main picture).
Fortunately, CANDIKA went on to claim an elusive stakes race in the Listed Princess Stakes less than five months later before selling for $500k as a broodmare at the conclusion of her racetrack career in 2018.
Both STELLAR MAGIC and FETCH have undeniable chances in this year’s renewal of the Mode Stakes and a Proven Thoroughbreds win would certainly be just the tonic for one of the fillies’ part owners Stewart Roberts who also had a share in CANDIKA.
Our other runners in the week ahead include a debutante for the Kerry Parker stable named COOL RECEPTION. The daughter of KISS AND MAKE UP was a $20k purchase from the 2020 Scone Inglis Yearling Sale and was seen winning a trial by four lengths at Kembla Grange earlier this month.
To ensure you stay up to date on all our available horses, join our mailing list by entering your name and email address at the bottom right section of the HOME page.
BLACKBOOKER
MACCOMO put in the best first-up run of his career when hitting the line strongly in third at Wyong last week. As his form to date has revealed, sprint races around small tracks are not his go but on this occasion he was ridden quietly and ran home a sharp last 600m. He’s a typical late-maturing Kiwi and will be one to watch once he gets out to 1400m-1600m on a bigger track.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Warwick Farm Wednesday December 1
Maiden Plate 1200m:
ROTATION
Joe Pride/Regan Bayliss
Comment: Out the back and stayed there in an on-pace dominated race on debut. Rises in distance on rain-affected going which appears as though it will suit and is on her home track.
Ipswich Friday December 3
QTIS 3YO Maiden Plate 1350m:
GAP YEAR
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Stephanie Thornton
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.
VANTAN EXPRESS
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Was doing his best work late first-up over this track and distance. A month between runs but has won a trial since. Top chance.
Sunshine Coast Friday December 3
Maiden Handicap 1400m:
VANTAN EXPRESS
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Was doing his best work late first-up over 1350m at Ipswich. A month between runs but has won a trial since. Top chance.
Doomben Saturday December 4
Listed Mode Stakes 1200m:
STELLAR MAGIC
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Andrew Mallyon
Comment: Really motored late to just miss the placegetters over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast. That was her third consecutive run at five furlongs and no doubt she is looking for 1200m now. Meets a similar field and will be one of the leading hopes.
FETCH
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Ben Thompson
Comment: Defeated older horses in convincing fashion over this track and distance last time out. Always shown above average ability and expecting her to be in the firing line again.
Newcastle Saturday December 4
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.
Nowra Sunday December 5
Maiden Handicap 1100m:
COOL RECEPTION
Kerry Parker/Jeff Penza
Comment: First starter. Impressive four-length trial winner on a soft (6) at Kembla on November 10. If she can bring that form to the races then she’s a definite chance.
Sunshine Coast Sunday December 5
QTIS 3YO Maiden Handicap 1200m:
GOSSIP COLUMN
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: First starter whose shown improvement at every trial. By leading sire WRITTEN TYCOON. Bears close watching.
GAP YEAR
Steve O’Dea & Matt Hoysted/Stephanie Thornton
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.
