Doomben Cup a Sound Proposition for O’Sullivan

Kiwi trainer Lance O’Sullivan has revealed that talented gelding Sound Proposition will be set for a first-up tilt at the 2017 Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) in Brisbane on May 20th.

Sound Proposition is set to meet the likes of Doncaster Mile winner It's Somewhat (pictured) in the 2017 Doomben Cup. Photo: Steve Hart

Sound Proposition is set to meet the likes of Doncaster Mile winner It’s Somewhat (pictured) in the 2017 Doomben Cup. Photo: Steve Hart

Sound Proposition has been a strong and consistent performer for the Matamata-based training partnership of O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott throughout his entire racing career and will arrive in Australia with a positive record of four wins and as many minors, through sixteen starts.

Resuming this time for a credible third in the Group 1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) on March 16th, the son of Savabeel was last seen running fifth in the Group 2 Manco Easter Stakes (1600m) on April 22nd.

O’Sullivan believes that the horse has come right on since his last start run and is confident that he will be up to the mark of the 2017 Doomben Cup in just over a fortnight.

“It was a very good run and he carried two kilos more than anything that finished in front of him,” O’Sullivan told the New Zealand Racing Desk.

“Through nobody’s fault, he was going backwards between the 800 and 600 when he should have been going forwards so he could have made it interesting with a bit more luck.

“He’s maturing now, he’s always been a very weak racehorse.

“The owners are keen to have a crack at the Doomben Cup first-up.

“It’s probably the toughest one, but if for any reason he didn’t measure up then he can always go back to handicaps.”

Sound Proposition stamped himself as a horse to follow from his first competitive preparation in late 2014, but undoubtedly found his best form to date throughout an outstanding 2016 campaign.

Having resumed from a freshen-up for second in the Crombie Lockwood BM85 (1600m) at Ellerslie, the gelding out of Ebony Babe returned to winning form in the Celebrating Rangipo BM85 (1600m) before breaking through for a maiden win at the highest level in the Group 1 Manco Easter Stakes (1600m).

The Darren Weir-trained Articus ($6) currently leads early 2017 Doomben Cup betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au, ahead of Doncaster Mile winner It’s Somewhat ($7).

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.