Private Eye could make his spring return in Melbourne after Racing New South Wales opted not to reschedule the abandoned Missile Stakes.
The $300,000 Group 2 sprint was called off with last Saturday’s Randwick meeting and, unlike other races from the card, will not be run at a later date. Trainer Joe Pride says the decision leaves his stable star without a Sydney kick-off point.
“I might end up having to go to Melbourne,” Pride said.
“It’s a shame because he is an older horse and he’s ready to go.
“I realise I’m only one stable and I’m talking about one horse, but now there is no race for him and they’re forcing him to potentially have to go interstate. It’s disappointing.”
Private Eye was among 21 nominations for the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. The field could also include Evaporate and Here To Shock from Lindsay Park, five Chris Waller-trained runners – headed by Moira, Full Count Felicia and Anisette – and defending champion Pinstriped.
The alternative is the $1 million Group 1 Winx Stakes over 1400m at Randwick on August 23, where top-liners Via Sistina, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah and Another Wil are expected to feature.
The gelding has trialled twice this preparation, most recently leading all the way to beat stablemate Ceowulf at Warwick Farm. His last race outing was a third in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap on June 14.
Pride said the aim this campaign is simple – add to his winning record.
“With Private Eye at this point of his career, it’s not about the prizemoney anymore, he has earned all that,” Pride said.
“It might sound strange to say it, but one of the more disappointing things in his career was running second and third in an Everest. They were massive cheques – he picked up $2 million for those two Everest runs – but, at the end of the day, they’re not wins.
“When we look back on his career I want him to have as many wins beside his name as he can because he has been a great horse.
“He’s got 12 there now, which is great, but I’d love to think he can finish his career with 14 or 15 wins.”
Saturday’s Caulfield meeting also features the Group 3 Vain Stakes, Quezette Stakes and Regal Roller Stakes.
