Private Eye ($8.50) was back to his brilliant best at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, cruising to victory in the Group 3 Festival Stakes (1500m) despite the lengthy preparation.
The Joe Pride-trained seven-year-old appeared to relish the step out to 1500m on Saturday after being restricted to the sprinting trip early in the campaign, with Nash Rawiller sending the son of Al Maher forward to sit outside the leader throughout the journey.
Uzziah ($12.00) was sent forward to dictate terms in the early stages; however, Rawiller wasn’t willing to hand up aboard Private Eye, with the pair stretching out at an even tempo.
The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Might Ulysses ($8.00) was heavily backed with horse racing bookmakers prior to the jump and appeared to be travelling well behind the speed, while Xidaki ($6.00) and Robusto ($23.00) were close enough if good enough in the final furlong.
Private Eye was simply on a different level, however, with the classy veteran proving he can still perform at a high level to claim the $250,000 feature.
It’s the 12th career win for Private Eye as he ticks his prizemoney to over $11 million for connections.
Festival Stakes Race Replay – Private Eye (1st)
Pride was on course at Rosehill to discuss the victory, and the change of tactics.
“It’s great to see him do that,” said Pride.
“The best version of this horse the last few years has been when he’s shown speed, and he just hasn’t shown any all preparation.
“Fantastic, it’s great to see him do that again, he’s been a marvelous horse for the stable. It was a long way from the best race he’s ever won, but it was very satisfying.
“Nash (Rawiller) came out with a point to prove today and he certainly did that. Unless he’s got something booked already in the Ingham, he’ll take his place on him there.
“He’s done his job 10 times over, it’s just good to see him win again.”
Rawiller was elated to get back aboard and was satisfied with the performance.
“Great to be back on him,” said Rawiller.
“Thanks to Joe (Pride) getting fit over the last 12 months for a distance that doesn’t suit him,
“It’s no really his style of track, but he gave me a confidence in the run. We were able to dictate our own line and get pretty wide on the track, cut the corner, picked himself up and put them to the sword.”
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