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.
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