Proven Thoroughbreds have already won a Group II Queensland Guineas (1600m) with their former star Sir Moments and they did it again at Eagle Farm on Saturday when the Joe Pride trained Private Eye flew home from last to win.
A progressive gelding by Al Maher, Private Eye showed his potential last start when finishing second in the Listed ATC South Pacific Classic and stepped it up again to win his first race over a mile.
Well ridden by Brenton Avdulla, he hit the line had to win by three-quarters of a length running away.
“I always thought he’d run a mile and he’s done it today on the big stage,” said Joe Pride.
“This horse has a really good future.”
A $62,500 Magic Millions Adelaide purchase for Proven Thoroughbreds/Pride Thoroughbreds/ from the Ambergate Farm draft, Private Eye has won six of nine starts earning over $474,000 in prizemoney.
Bred by Goodwood Farm, Private Eye is the best of two winners from Confidential Queen, a half-sister by Shamardal (USA) to Group III placed King’s Troop from the family of Group I winner and champion sire Snitzel.
Confidential Queen has missed the last couple of seasons, but was covered last spring by Shalaa (IRE).
Private Eye is the 36th stakes-winner for Al Maher, who has been at Independent Stallions in Victoria in recent times after many years of service at Emirates Park.