Proven Thoroughbreds and Joe Pride have had a super successful season featuring Group I stars Think About It and Private Eye and it’s not over yet with the duo combining to win the 1600m maiden at Kembla on Thursday with Merchant Navy three year-old Crewman.
Appreciating firm ground and a step up to a mile at his fourth start, Crewman was still green to the line, but did best when it mattered for Tyler Schiller to win by a head.
A $100,000 Inglis Classic purchase for Proven Thoroughbreds / Joe Pride Racing from the Amarina Farm draft, Crewman is the second winner from unraced High Chaparral (IRE) mare Awsaaf, who traces in tail female line to Razyana, the dam of legendary sire Danehill.
Crewman is the 34th winner of the season for Kooringal Stud’s new recruit Merchant Navy, whose winners are highlighted by Group I winner Royal Merchant and Group III winner Steel City.
A Group I winning son of Fastnet Rock, Merchant Navy stands this spring at a fee of $13,200.