PRIVATE EYE not only secured an Everest slot but he also put his hand up as a genuine contender in 2024 with a rousing trial at Randwick on Tuesday.
The star sprinter has placed in the last two editions of The Everest and it must be said he had little luck 12 months ago behind stablemate THINK ABOUT IT.
That misfortune has somewhat followed him this year with 4 of his 6 runs in 2024 arguably unlucky.
On Tuesday he stepped out over 1000m where he closed off nicely for 3rd behind Golden Slipper winner LADY OF CAMELOT.
He will go straight into the Everest on Saturday week and all we can do is hope for a barrier that allows him to settle midfield or better with some cover.
As for our runners this week, NAVAL TRADER is chasing back to back metropolitan wins on Saturday at Eagle Farm. Meanwhile, STOCKMAN should be ready to show something up to 1900m third-up in the Group 2 Hill Stakes at Rosehill on the same day.
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SIRE ON FIRE – FASTNET ROCK
No stallion sired a stakes double last week but this legend of the breeding barn sired the quinella in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes courtesy of VIA SISTINA and BUCKAROO. Each will go forward and be tough to beat in the Cox Plate/Caulfield Cup at their next respective runs.
BLACK BOOKER – FLYING BANDIT
Our times analyst Nic Ashman made FLYING BANDIT his horse to follow out of the entire meeting at Randwick last Saturday. Here’s what he sent out to his subscribers.
“FLYING BANDIT found another fast run race where he ended up near the tail of the field yet was still going faster than benchmark through the first section,” Ashman said.
“This was a strong BM72 and his overall time despite being beaten was 6L faster than benchmark for the grade.”
Trainer Kerry Parker will likely nominate the gelding for a 2100m contest at Warwick Farm on October 23.
BET WITH NIC
His tips in this article now sit at 15 winners from 20 selections after the last leg of a long range multi saluted in the shape of VIA SISTINA in the Turnbull Stakes last Saturday.
“As we speak there is only a Caulfield Guineas market up. BROADSIDING looks to have these covered but the $31 about TROPICUS is silly. He hung badly in the Golden Rose and will be much better suited back on his preferred way of going. I’d be taking a same race multi with BROADSIDING to win and TROPICUS to finish Top 5.”
Upcoming Proven Thoroughbreds runners
Randwick-Kensington Wednesday October 9
BM78 Handicap 1250m
ICONIC TREASURE
Joe Pride/Jay Ford
Comment: Drops back slightly in trip, which should suit but elevates to city grade for the first time. He should settle just in behind the speed and has a fitness edge on some of his main rivals.
Sunshine Coast Friday October 11
Maiden Handicap 1000m
SKYPORT LANE
Matt Hoysted/Boris Thornton
Comment: Got back on debut over this course and distance and while the overall time was nothing flash, she clocked the fastest split of the race between the 400 and 200m, which also ranked 7th for the entire meeting. Will show some natural improvement.
Rosehill Saturday October 12
G2 Hill Stakes 1900m
STOCKMAN
Joe Pride/Reece Jones
Comment: Veteran stayer starting to get to his right distance range. Has placed 4 from 10 third-up from a spell and any rain around would enhance the old boy’s chances. This will top him off nicely but not without a place hope.
Eagle Farm Saturday October 12
Class 6 Handicap 1400m/Listed Members Cup 1400m
NAVAL TRADER
Matt Hoysted/Nikita Beriman
Comment: Tough win in a high pressure race last time and he loves Eagle Farm having placed all 6 runs here including 5 at this distance. He will settle just behind the speed and watch for him to wear them down.
QTIS 3YO Handicap 1000m
ZATANNA
Matt Hoysted/Andrew Mallyon
Comment: Broke the clock on debut over 800m and then failed badly in stakes grade at next run. We set her a task by going from 800m to 1200m on that occasion. She looked sharp in a recent trial, draw well here and we expect a bold showing.
Class 4 Plate 1200m
SHOT OF WHISKEY
Matt Hoysted/Jasper Franklin (a3)
Comment: Has won 4 races from 12 starts but 3 of them are this prep indicating he’s in a good head space. He led last start but there’s more pace engaged here. Fortunately he has a good barrier so we can let it unfold and make our move at the right time. Only query is if he ends up underneath horses with little room. He’s shown in the past he resents that.
