 |
|
| Sumita Pawar |
 |
Joseph Pride is confident, Private Eye, will impress the TAB Everest slot holders and secure a chance to outdo his 2022 runner-up position. Private Eye will be competing in the prestigious A$1 million Group Two The Shorts at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
With one slot already secured, the trainer strongly believes that Private Eye deserves another opportunity to compete in this year's race after an impressive second-place finish to Giga Kick in the previous edition.
Private Eye, who has already won three times on his first-up races, is set to showcase his talent once again in The Shorts. This race will feature several leading contenders vying for the remaining The Everest slots. With an incredible list of 19 nominations, including Everest hopefuls such as Buenos Noches, Hawaii Five Oh, In Secret, Lost And Running, Remarque, Overpass, and slot holder Mazu, the competition promises to be fierce.
Warwick Farm-based trainer, filled with anticipation, is eager to witness Private Eye's strong performance in this fresh challenge. The Shorts will serve as a crucial opportunity for Private Eye to prove his worth among top-tier competitors and secure his spot in The Everest.
"It depends on the runs they all have (on how many get picked up) but I think as soon as my horse shows he's back at the level he was last year, he is going to be in the field," Pride said.
"I am expecting that in The Shorts and if it's not in The Shorts, it will be in the Premiere (September 30) but I am confident he will show it this Saturday.
"He is a good first up horse and has won first up fresh a number of times."
Nash Rawiller To Pilot Private Eye
In-form jockey Nash Rawiller has been chosen to ride Private Eye this weekend, as regular jockey Brenton Avdulla has taken up riding duties in Hong Kong.
Rawiller recently rode Private Eye during a trial session at Randwick, where the horse competed without blinkers. In this 850m heat, Private Eye showcased his remarkable skills and finished a commendable second, just behind King Of Sparta.
With Rawiller's expertise and proven track record, there is great anticipation for their partnership in the upcoming race. Private Eye's performance under Rawiller's guidance promises to be an exciting spectacle for racing enthusiasts.
"Without his shades on he is very casual but they will be on in The Shorts," Pride said.
"I didn't want to have them on a week before the race so Nash asked him for a bit at the top of the straight and I loved the way he picked up through the line.
"He pulled up really well and he is on track."
Think About It Ready For Everest Challenge
The Warwick Farm-based trainer already has Think About It, who will be trialling on home turf this Tuesday, running in the Newgate slot for the prestigious A$20 million The Everest race.
The 5YO son of So You Think has emerged as one of Australia’s leading racehorse boasting an impressive track record of nine victories and a single placing from a total of 10 starts including the
prestigious Kingsford-Smith Cup and Stradbroke Handicap.
"He is going well, we will trial him on Tuesday and put him in the Premiere," Pride said.
"It's going to be interesting to see how people do it because I think there will be a few that go straight from The Shorts to The Everest a month later.
"So it will be interesting to see how it pans out but he will go Premiere into The Everest."