The Shorts winner Private Eye will return to The Everest for a second straight year after Proven Thoroughbreds completed a deal to run the six-year-old in the Max Whitby slot on Sunday night.
Whitby and his partners beat another three slot-holders for Private Eye, who was runner-up to Giga Kick in the 2022 edition of The Everest.
It gives Proven a second runner in the $20 million showcase on October 14 alongside Stradbroke winner Think About It, who will run in the Newgate Farm and Greg Ingham slot.
“It is fantastic for us as a syndicator to have two runners in The Everest,” Proven boss Jamie Walter said. “We always felt Private Eye would get a slot, but he had to show he was back and he did that by winning on Saturday.
“Private Eye went so close last year, and hopefully he can go one better next month.”
Trainer Joe Pride is leaning towards going straight into The Everest after the Shorts win with stablemate Think About It to resume in the Premiere Stakes at Randwick on September 30.
“It is not about keeping them apart but what is the best way to win The Everest for Private Eye,” Pride said. “He had one run down the straight in Melbourne into The Everest last year and I think keeping him fresh will give him his best chance to win it.”
Whitby has gone close to winning The Everest on a number of occasions and thinks this year might be his best chance with an old friend.
“I have known Jamie for many years and worked with him on the trading room floor many moons ago, so it would be great to win it with him,” Whitby said.
“He has done a great job in this business and Private Eye showed in The Shorts is one of the best chances in this year’s Everest.”
>> Chris Roots – SMH <<