There was plenty of speed early in the opener as Glinting (The Autumn Sun) led up from Kissing Booth (Tassort) on the outer and Ocean Veil (Capitalist) in third.
Well back in fifth and sixth respectively were Internal Security (Home Affairs), ridden by James McDonald, and Proverb (Written Tycoon), ridden by Tim Clark.
Just after straightening, the trial changed shape quickly and, out wide, Down To Hell (Hellbent) swept to the lead, albeit a little greenly.
At the 100-metre mark, Internal Security took the lead under a tight McDonald grip, but with the last run between runners, Proverb stormed home to score by a head from Internal Security, with just over half a length to Ocean Veil.
It was an impressive win by Proverb, showing he can relax and sprint quickly late, while the effort of Internal Security was also an eye-catcher.
“He’s quite a natural,” Michael Freedman commented about Proverb to racenet after the opening heat.
“He’s one of James’ (Harron) colts this year that we sort of identified could be an early type.
“As you saw he’s still got a bit to learn. He was a touch slow away again today which he has been at home but it was a big improvement.
“I loved the way he finished off; he showed a really nice turn of foot.”
Freedman said Proverb would front up in the Breeders’ Plate, all things being equal.
“If he pulls up well, I can’t see why not,” Freedman said of Proverb.
“It’s a big experience today, they haven’t been in the parade ring or anything like that, so it’s all new to him and part of the learning process.”
Proverb is out of the two-time American-winning mare Shines Her Light (IRE), who is very well bred, being a half-sister to three stakes winners, including the Gr.1 Milano Gran Premio del Jockey Club and Gr.2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup winner Ventura Storm (IRE)(Zoffany {IRE}), who also placed at the elite level in the Gr.1 Australian Cup, Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes and the Gr.1 The St Leger.
This is also the family of the Gr.1 Lockinge Stakes winner Mustashry (GB) (Tamayuz {GB}).
Proverb was purchased by the James Harron Bloodstock Colt Partnership and Tony Fung Colts for $700,000 from the Yulong draft at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Written for TTRAusNZ
