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 gelding settled further back from a wide draw in the Tramway Stakes and had little impact.

However, Pride anticipates a different scenario from barrier three in Saturday's 1500-metre contest at Rosehill.

"It has been a long time since he's raced well from off the pace, and this is a horse who came from nearly last to win an Epsom and from dead-last to win a Queensland Guineas," Pride said.

"He was a different horse in the early part of his life. Now he's a bit of a flat track bully and likes to get on-speed with no horses in front of him.

"I think he'll get the right scenario there on Saturday."

Private Eye's three most recent victories, all achieved while carrying substantial weights, saw him race near the speed. These wins included the Moonga and Lawrence Stakes over 1400m at Caulfield last year, and the 2024 Festival Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill, the same distance as Saturday's assignment.

If he can replicate such race conditions, Pride is confident the gelding will be difficult to reel in, especially carrying only two kilograms more than the favourite, Skyhook.

"I was giggling to myself thinking if the real Private Eye turns up, some of these horses won't see which way he goes," Pride said.

"I could point to three or four runs from his last ten, maybe more, that would win this race.

"I think it's just a matter of him jumping, putting himself in a good spot, and he'll take care of the rest."

Stablemate Estadio Mestalla is also set to contest the Shannon Stakes (1500m) and will need to show significant improvement on his unplaced first-up run behind Skyhook.

At eight years of age, Estadio Mestalla is Private Eye's junior by one year. While lacking his stablemate's elite class, he has been a fantastic servant for his connections, amassing over $1.7 million in prize money.

"I wouldn't write him off. He's a tough horse," Pride commented. "He doesn't win that often, but he runs so many seconds in good races. He's never far away and I don't think he'll be far away on Saturday."

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