The week ahead for Proven Thoroughbreds is set to see the careers of some newly-turned three-year-olds kick off as well as the return of seasoned campaigners like SCALLOPINI and COOL SEQUENCE.
In what shapes as a busy week for the team, a total of 12 horses have been nominated for races in New South Wales and Queensland.
Among the potential debutantes is SEBRING filly SEFIRE, who finished an eye-catching second in a trial at Doomben last month.
BLACKBOOKER: WAR DECK showed newfound determination when going down narrowly at Wagga last week in his first start for trainer John Bateman. Though still a maiden from seven starts, his latest effort over an unsuitable 1200m would suggest he will go close up to 1400m next start.
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners:
Newcastle Thursday September 5
Maiden Handicap 1150m:
Joe Pride/Jeff Penza
Comment: She was scheduled to resume last week but heavy rainfall prompted Joe to wait for this race. Won her only trial this time in and should be competitive.
Maiden Handicap 1350m:
Joe Pride/Jeff Penza
Comment: Just ran out of puff first-up when running a game second over 1280m first-up at Canberra last month. Can only improve up to this trip.
Ballarat Friday September 6
BM64 Handicap 1500m:
Archie Alexander/TBA
Comment: Tackles this race following a solid first-up run when third over 1400m. Yet to finish out of the placings in six starts and looks set to continue that trend.
Canberra Friday September 6
Class 1 & Maiden Handicap 2000m:
Joe Pride/Blaike McDougall
Comment: Ran into the placings when stepping up from 1500m to 1750m last start and gets another suitable distance rise here. Still a maiden from nine starts but gives the impression she is a genuine stayer and will appreciate this trip.
Sunshine Coast Friday September 6
3YO Maiden Handicap 1200m:
Steve O’Dea/TBA
Comment: Finished second in her only trial to date over 840m at Doomben last month. Hard to line up on debut but has shown above average ability.
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Lovely staying bred filly on debut. Finished fifth in a hot trial at Doomben last month and is another one capable of taking out this maiden.
Fillies & Mares Maiden Plate 1000m:
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Produced an eye-catching trial three weeks ago and gives the impression she will appreciate 1000m first-up.
Randwick Saturday September 7
Highway Class 3 Handicap 1200m:
John Bateman/Brenton Avdulla
Comment: Knocking on the door to win a Highway race and this may be her best chance yet. She’s third-up now following two sound runs over this distance.
Eagle Farm Saturday September 8
Open Handicap 1200m:
Steve O’Dea/Matthew McGillivray
Comment: Classy gelding resuming with a fresh record that currently reads 2 wins and a third from four attempts. Has trialled strongly recently and must be considered a winning chance.
Open Handicap 1600m:
Steve O’Dea/TBA
Comment: Backs up from a narrow defeat over 1400m at this track. Was forced to race three-wide without cover on that occasion so a more economical run would be favourable here.
Class 6 Handicap 1000m:
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Consistent galloper shooting for his seventh career win. Has really come of age over the last 12 months and was seen winning a trial recently in fast time. Another top chance.
BM70 Handicap 1400m:
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Dominant last start winner over this track and distance two weeks ago. Faces a rise in weight but takes on similar company.
Sunshine Coast Sunday September 8
Maiden Handicap 1400m:
Steve O’Dea/Stephanie Thornton
Comment: Sound debut at this track last month when working home into sixth over 1200m. Appears as though the 1400m will be to his liking.
