Eight-year-old warrior Private Eye is set to line up in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday, bringing with him an imposing record and a reputation as one of Joe Pride’s most reliable gallopers.

Fresh from a commanding return win in the P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, the gelding has again sparked optimism in the Pride camp. Despite an awkward draw in gate 14, his trainer isn’t worried. “The barrier doesn’t worry me at all. He’s a horse with really good speed,” Pride said confidently.

The key to Private Eye, Pride believes, is his ability to begin cleanly and put himself in the race. “The best version of Private Eye is when he’s jumping well and rolling forward,” he said. “Last spring he was getting back too far. He wasn’t jumping cleanly, and people blamed the distances, but the truth is he just couldn’t muster. Now he’s beginning better, and that’s the horse we want to see.”

A proven big-race performer, Private Eye has amassed nearly $12.4 million in stakes money. His career highlights include his victory in the 2021 Epsom Handicap (1600m) along with consecutive placings in The Everest. His consistency at the highest level has made him a punters’ favourite.

But for Pride, the gelding holds a more personal significance. “He’s got his way of doing things and he makes me laugh. He’s a character. He’s like part of the furniture in the stable—fast furniture though,” Pride quipped. “He’s just a beautiful horse to work with and I can’t wait to see him back at the races.”

Nash Rawiller, who has partnered Private Eye in 11 of his 44 runs, will once again take the reins. Rawiller knows the race well, having steered Dreamforce to back-to-back Tramway wins in 2019 and 2020, and will look to add another victory to his record on Saturday.