Private Eye in line to resume in 2025 PB Lawrence Stakes

Caulfield’s PB Lawrence Stakes is shaping as the likely spring launchpad for Private Eye after Racing New South Wales confirmed the Missile Stakes will not be reprogrammed.

The $300,000 Group 2 sprint was lost when Randwick’s meeting was abandoned last Saturday, with three other events from the card rescheduled but not the Missile.

Trainer Joe Pride had entered his eight-year-old for the race and says the decision has left him with little choice but to head south.

“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 features among 21 Lawrence Stakes nominations, with contenders including Lindsay Park pair Evaporate and Here To Shock, five from Chris Waller’s yard led by American mares Moira, Full Count Felicia and Anisette, plus 2024 winner Pinstriped.

Alternatively, he could remain in Sydney for the $1 million Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 23, which is set to include Via Sistina, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah and Another Wil.

Last Friday, Private Eye led throughout in a Warwick Farm trial over 800m, defeating stablemate Ceowulf. It was his second trial since finishing third in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap in June.

“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.”

Alongside the Lawrence, Caulfield’s meeting will also host the Group 3 Vain Stakes, Quezette Stakes and Regal Roller Stakes.