The big-hearted Al Maher gelding Private Eye loves to win, and he is good at it.
After Brenton Avdulla was injured in the previous race, Jay Ford was in the saddle on the Joe Pride-trained gelding in Saturday’s Group III Mostyn Copper Show County Quality (1200m) at Randwick.
Private Eye came with a relentless gallop from back in the field to run down Embracer (Sebring) by a short-neck with a further length back to Icebath (Sacred Falls)
The Proven Thoroughbreds colour-bearer was making his first start since winning the Group II Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm on May 1.
“That was incredible. He’s had such a good prep so far. His trials have been so much better this time,” stable representative Orla Pearl said.
A $62,500 Magic Millions Adelaide purchase for Proven Thoroughbreds/Pride Thoroughbreds/ from the Ambergate Farm draft, Private Eye advances his record to seven wins and a second from 10 starts with earnings of $558,260.
Bred by Goodwood Farm, Private Eye is the best of two winners from as many to race out of Confidential Queen, a half-sister by Shamardal (USA) to Group III placed King’s Troop from the family of Group I winner and champion sire Snitzel and Hinchinbrook.
Confidential Queen missed in 2018 and 2019 and was covered last spring by Shalaa (IRE).
A long-time servant at Emirates Park, Al Maher covered 30 mares at Independent Stallions last season at a fee of $8,800.
