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| Staff Writer |
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Multiple Gr.1 winner Private Eye is heading back to The Everest for a third consecutive year, with connections announcing the 7YO gelding will run in the Max Whitby, Neil Werrett and Col Madden slot for the US$15.8 million sprint at Randwick on October 19.
Trained by Joe Pride, the son of Al Maher has been a model of consistency in Australia's premier sprint races, having finished second in 2022 and third in last year's renewal. Despite a lacklustre sixth in Saturday's Gr.2 The Shorts, Pride remains upbeat about his charge's chances.
The Everest, inaugurated in 2017, has quickly established itself as one of the world's richest turf races. Previous winners include the legendary Redzel, who claimed the first two runnings, while Nature Strip's 2021 victory preceded his Royal Ascot triumph in the King's Stand Stakes. Yes Yes Yes, successful in 2019, went on to a lucrative stud career.
Pride, speaking from his Warwick Farm base, said: "He's come through Saturday's run well and we know he'll strip fitter for that effort. His Everest record speaks for itself, and he's as good as ever."
Private Eye, a winner of 11 from 37 starts and over US$5.2 million in prize money, has been a flagbearer for the Pride yard. His victories include the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap and Gr.1 Doomben 10,000, showcasing his versatility from 1200m to 1600m.
The gelding's regular rider, Sam Clipperton, is expected to maintain the partnership for the October feature.