PRIVATE EYE’s first venture to Caulfield was a successful one as he comfortably dispatched his rivals in Saturday’s Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m).
In what was his 13th interstate trip, our ageless warrior appropriately chalked up his 13th career win after leading throughout the $300,000 contest.
PRIVATE EYE shook off a minor mishap in the barriers and began the race with his usual exuberance which allowed pilot Nash Rawiller to seize the front in the early stages.
A couple of cheap sectionals mid-race set up a daunting task for the chasers and once given his cue in the straight, the race was in PRIVATE EYE’s keeping. The official margin was a neat two lengths with DESERT LIGHTNING and HERE TO SHOCK filling the minor placings.
PRIVATE EYE 🖤💚
He’s a class act! Private Eye shrugs off a pre-race vet check and leads all the way in the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence 💪@nashhot @PrideRacing @ProvenTbreds pic.twitter.com/U2dxauvb2r
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) August 16, 2025
It wasn’t long ago when some pundits were calling for PRIVATE EYE to retire however trainer Joe Pride has been adamant the now 8yo gelding still has a zest for racing and recent results, which include a 3rd in the Group 1 Stradbroke in June, have well and truly vindicated Joe’s astute judgement.
A $62,500 yearling now with an eye-watering $12.4 million in the bank, it goes without saying that PRIVATE EYE owes us nothing so at this stage of his career every win must be savoured!
The Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) back at Caulfield in a fortnight now looms as the most likely next assignment for PRIVATE EYE. Possible alternatives include the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick a week later.
The son of AL MAHER is Proven Thoroughbreds’ second winner for the new season, following the success of WILD THOUGHTS earlier this month.
Meanwhile in Brisbane, another popular gelding NAVAL TRADER zoomed home first-up in the 1200m Open Handicap to just miss the Group performed NETTUNO.