He had the more difficult run in The Everest, but does Private Eye have what it takes to turn the tables on stablemate Think About It in their Giga Kick Stakes rematch?
Not even trainer Joe Pride is sure of the answer.
“The one part I can’t deny with Think About It is his ability to fight,” Pride said.
“I think this horse (Private Eye) can run up to a level that can potentially trouble Think About It, but can he actually get past him? I’m not sure.
“It would probably depend how the race was run. He hasn’t drawn soft yet this preparation Private Eye, he’s had to work in both runs.
“If he gets a soft run, his turn of foot will be even more devastating and that could trouble Think About It late.”
Private Eye drew barrier six in the field of nine acceptors for Saturday’s $3 million Giga Kick Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill and outside of Pride’s pair, Mazu will be the only Everest runner lining up.
Promising Hawkes Racing galloper Airman, Godolphin’s Cascadian and the consistent Bella Nipotina were also among the opposition, while Overpass was a surprise omission.
The latter’s trainer Bjorn Baker said Overpass could instead head to Melbourne for the Champions Sprint at Flemington on Saturday week, or go straight to Perth for a summer carnival tilt.
Along with Think About It ($1.70 favourite with online bookmakers) and Private Eye ($3.80), Pride will also saddle up Coal Crusher ($31) in the Giga Kick Stakes and while he’d prefer a softer option, he says there simply isn’t one.
“He has been set for The Hunter, but there’s no other lead-up for him,” Pride said.
“I don’t really want to run him against these other horses of mine, but he is going to have to go there.”