The Black Cloud set for promising run as Pride's understudy to Private Eye at Doomben
While Private Eye, Joe Pride's multiple Group 1 champion, leads the stable's charge at Doomben, the trainer believes The Black Cloud can deliver a reliable backup performance.
Private Eye, the consistent performer, faces the $1.5 million Doomben 10,000 (1200m), as The Black Cloud travels north with him for a tilt at the Listed Magic Millions Bright Shadow (1110m) on the supporting bill.
The mare steps onto Doomben for the initial occasion, but her record shows she handles trips effectively and performs strongly on the road.
"She has travelled really well in the past. She's won at Flemington, she's won at Eagle Farm, she has placed at Caulfield," the Sydney-based Pride said.
"Whenever I've travelled her away she has always raced well."
Out of 19 career starts, The Black Cloud has secured five triumphs, four coming under wet conditions.
Wednesday's inspection had Doomben rated soft with some moisture expected to linger, though Pride emphasised that freshness plays a bigger role than just the surface.
"And being fresh. Fresh, short-course, bit of a wet track," he said.
"She has got all those things in her favour. She seems to race best like that."
The Black Cloud, a stakes victor at Eagle Farm in December, reunites with Nash Rawiller and jumps from gate one.
After a freshen-up from her brave effort when beaten just over a length by Marhoona in the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) in March, she meets softer opposition in the Bright Shadow despite the weight rise.
"It's good form for a Listed race in Brisbane, so she lines up well in this," Pride said.
The trainer remains optimistic about Private Eye's bid in the Doomben 10,000, with the evergreen type continuing to impress post his third to Mazu in the King's Secret edition of the Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) on April 18.
"I couldn't be happier with him. It's a Group One race, they're never easy, but he's in great shape," Pride said.
Head to the online bookmakers to find the keenest racing odds for the Doomben 10,000 feature.
More Racing News
Gibbons confident Under Focus can measure up in Golden Rose
Jockey Dylan Gibbons is convinced that if Under Focus manages a good start in the Golden Rose, the colt has the potential to be a significant factor in the outcome.The three-year-old made his challenge harder when he was slow to begin in the Run To The Rose (1200m), but he...
Pride's confidence high for Private Eye in Shannon Stakes
Trainer Joe Pride is keen to see Private Eye race prominently in the Shannon Stakes, asserting that the veteran galloper will be a serious contender if positioned correctly.After a commendable second place in the Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield upon his return last month, where he held a forward position, the...
Boyd hopes for redemption aboard Haaland at Murray Bridge
Trainer Lucinda Boyd has pointed the finger at jockey error for Haaland's recent loss at Morphettville, a situation she hopes to rectify in the Prestige Equine Veterinary Handicap (2500m) at Murray Bridge on Saturday.Boyd, who generally avoids criticising riders, took responsibility for her handling of Haaland when the horse finished...
Napoleonic targets maiden Group 1 glory at Caulfield
The training duo of John O'Shea and Tom Charlton is anticipating their return to Melbourne with the promising colt, Napoleonic.Having won three times from twelve starts, Napoleonic has only raced once in Melbourne, securing a decisive 4-ΒΌ length victory at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate Day last year.It was this...
Shultzy's remarkable career continues at nine years old
Pat Cannon, a trainer with an extensive history in the thoroughbred racing world, currently manages just a single horse.This horse is Shultzy, who was scratched from a recent engagement at Geelong on Wednesday and is now scheduled to participate in the Listed RM Ansett Classic (2400m) at Mornington on Saturday.Shultzy...
Surfin' Bird set for Golden Pendant return, eyes Melbourne spring
The primary objectives for Surfin' Bird are slated for deeper into the spring season, yet co-trainer Adrian Bott is keen to see the developing mare commence her preparation in the Golden Pendant at Rosehill.This five-year-old mare has participated in only nine starts, achieving five victories. Her most recent racing period...
Buccleuch's dual weekend engagement options for trainer
Trainer Patrick Payne is facing a dilemma concerning his promising galloper, Buccleuch.The four-year-old has earned a start in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1440m) at Caulfield this Sunday. However, he is also assigned the highest weight in the Sportsbet Same Race Multi (1600m) at Mornington on the preceding day.Payne holds...
Freshman colt poised for three-year-old debut in Rosehill's Heritage Stakes
An early indication of Freshman's standing among the three-year-old ranks will be provided when he makes his debut in the Listed Heritage Stakes at Rosehill.Trainer Bryce Heys, known for his judicious placement of runners, has been persuaded by the small field of eight and the inherent ability and progress observed...
Change of plans sees Magnatear targeting Shannon Stakes
Richard and Will Freedman had initially anticipated that Magnatear would not feature in the Shannon Stakes this week. However, a recent change of heart means the consistent gelding is now expected to take his place.The original intention was to give Magnatear another run in the Alan Brown Stakes over 1400...
Colts' Gentlemanly Demeanour Key to Waller's Golden Rose Ambitions
One of the primary difficulties with colts is maintaining their racing focus, so Chris Waller's success in preparing five of them for the Group 1 Golden Rose is a significant achievement. The accomplished trainer is fielding Campione D'italia, Tron Bolt, St Gotthard, Stormy Marco, and Central Europe in Saturday's coveted...