Thompson youngster on the ball for 2025 Woodlands Stakes target
John Thompson is eyeing a second victory in the Woodlands Stakes (1100m) as he prepares Vingt Neuf Noir for her return to racing in Saturday’s Scone feature.
Thompson trained Xtremetime to win the race in 2021 and believes Vingt Neuf Noir, who resumes from a spell after a promising debut in the Inglis Nursery (1000m), has a similar profile and plenty of upside.
“This filly is a similar sort of filly,” Thompson said.
“She was thrown in the deep end (in the Inglis Nursery) but she had shown she went well at home and if that race hadn’t been there, I probably wouldn’t have run her. I would have just put her away.
“But we gave her a go, she was raw and green and she has come on from that. Her race smarts have improved and she will run well.
“She’s a very straightforward filly and she has got an exciting future.”
The Woodlands Stakes has produced top-class fillies in recent years, with the honour roll featuring In Secret, Libertini, and Lazzura. Vingt Neuf Noir could be the next to make her mark.
Thompson also runs Clear Proof in the Lion Benchmark 72 Handicap (1300m), confident the gelding is trending back in the right direction after being gelded and showing ability early in his career.
“I thought he was a good chance at Warwick Farm the other day and he reared in the gates and got his leg over,” he said.
“He has got ability this horse. He just needs a bit of racing and time and it will start to come out now that he has been gelded.”
Those looking to back Vingt Neuf Noir in the Woodlands Stakes or follow Clear Proof’s campaign can explore markets through Australia’s leading betting sites.
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