Twelve months after a career-high win in the Group 1 Epsom Hcp, the 5yo Al Maher gelding Private Eye scored a barnstorming victory in Saturday's Group II Gilgai Stakes (1200m) down the straight at Flemington.
Ridden by Josh Parr for Joe Pride, Private Eye was backed off the map at his first start since finishing second to Alligator Blood in the Group 1 Stradbroke Hcp at Eagle Farm in June.
Back with the tailenders with 300m to run, Private Eye was momentarily balked for a run. Once in clear air, he stormed home to defeat the Group 1 Newmarket Hcp winner Roch 'N' Horse (Per Incanto) by two and a quarter lengths with Baller (High Chaparral) a neck back in third.
“I was very confident going down to the start and behind the gates he seemed to have his mind on the job,” Parr said.
“Interestingly enough, blinkers first time, first-up for this horse. It was a master move by Joe Pride because it was his first go down the straight.
“A brilliant effort by the horse, and I’m thrilled to win here at Flemington again.”
A $62,500 Magic Millions Adelaide purchase for Proven Thoroughbreds/Pride Thoroughbreds/ from the Ambergate Farm draft, Private Eye advances his record to nine wins, two seconds, and a third from 21 starts with earnings of $2,126,360.
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 has a yearling colt by Shalaa (IRE).
