Only one slot remains to be filled in The Everest after Inglis chose Private Eye to replace the injured Snapdancer as its representative in the $15 million sprint.
Snapdancer was ruled out of the race earlier this week after suffering a setback and Inglis moved swifty to identify another candidate, confirming Private Eye as their runner on Thursday.
The announcement gives trainer Joe Pride two Everest contenders with the Group 1 winner joining stablemate Eduardo in the field.
Last year’s Epsom Handicap victor, Private Eye put himself in the frame for a late Everest call-up with a barnstorming first-up win in the Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington last Saturday,
Pride feels the five-year-old has blossomed over the past 12 months and will be suited if the race is run at a strong tempo, as expected.
“Over the last 12 months and in particular the last six months, he has really just come of age, just the added maturity, he is a bigger, stronger version of himself now and he’s got an amazing turn of foot,” Pride said.
“For Private Eye, the race sets up perfectly.
“There is a lot of speed to lead the race, but also in the middle stages of that field, and that’s going to ensure a great tempo.
“Randwick is a swooper’s track generally, and it will really suit him.”
The selection of Private Eye means the Everest puzzle is almost complete with Godolphin the only slot holder yet to confirm its runner.
They are not expected to make a decision until after stablemates Paulele and Ingratiating contest the Schillaci Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday, while stable stalwart Kementari is also believed to be in the mix after his close fourth to Everest hopeful Lost And Running in the Premiere Stakes.
The Everest (1200m) is at Randwick on Saturday week.
Online bookmaker swiftbet have Private Eye as a $15 chance in The Everest market.
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