Blacktype Success for Thought Provoking (NZ)

22 May 2023

Up-and-coming stayer Thought Provoking (NZ) (So You Think) claimed a valuable first blacktype win with a determined front-running performance in Saturday's A$107,250 Listed Thomas Farms Centaurea Stakes (2028m) at Morphettville.

 

Bought for $120,000 from Windsor Park Stud's draft at Karaka 2019, Thought Provoking has now had 14 starts for four wins, six placings and A$221,020 in stakes.

Thought Provoking (NZ) wins Centaurea Stakes
Thought Provoking (NZ) winning Saturday's Centaurea Stakes (2028m)

 

Runner-up over 1600 metres in both of her previous starts in this preparation, Thought Provoking relished the step up in distance on Saturday and dominated the race from the front.

 

Jockey Ben Melham timed the race nicely, saving enough energy for Thought Provoking to fight off all challengers down the straight.

 

"It is good to have the black-type on her CV, being a mare, and an unlucky one at that,” Melham said.

 

“This preparation she had no luck first-up and she was a bit unlucky again the other day (when second at Sandown).

 

“She broke through for a well deserved win today.

 

“On paper, I didn’t see a lot of pressure. I was always wanting to be handy and nothing was keen to lead, so I was able to get some pretty easy sectionals through the first half of the race.

 

“It was probably a little bit too easy, which just flushed a couple out that put a bit of pressure on us from the 700.

 

“She was well-trained, well-prepared and able to maintain that gallop from the 700 and stave off the late challengers.”

 

Thought Provoking is the best of four winners from five foals to race out of her dam Zerello (NZ), who herself won five races up to Listed level. Another of her progeny, Zaperb (NZ), placed in the Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m).

 

 

Vendor Windsor Park Stud
Purchaser Mick Price Racing (Victoria)
Breeding So You Think - Zerello
Sale Lot 543, Karaka 2019 Book 1, $120,000
Bred by Mrs C A & C C Chamberlain, Mrs H M & M J Moran