Private Eye stands as Joe Pride’s top contender at Doomben with his multiple Group 1 successes, but the handler sees The Black Cloud as a strong secondary option from the stable.
The durable Private Eye contests the $1.5 million Doomben 10,000 (1200m), joined by The Black Cloud heading north for the Listed Magic Millions Bright Shadow (1110m) supporting event.
Doomben presents a new challenge for the mare, yet her history with away meetings indicates she adapts well and often shines.
“She has travelled really well in the past. She’s won at Flemington, she’s won at Eagle Farm, she has placed at Caulfield,” the Sydney-based Pride said.
“Whenever I’ve travelled her away she has always raced well.”
The Black Cloud has notched five wins across 19 starts, four of which were on rain-affected going.
Doomben appeared soft midweek and likely to stay with some yield, but according to Pride, conditions alone won’t decide her fate.
“And being fresh. Fresh, short-course, bit of a wet track,” he said.
“She has got all those things in her favour. She seems to race best like that.”
A December stakes score at Eagle Farm sees The Black Cloud teamed again with Nash Rawiller, drawn perfectly in barrier one.
Rested since running a length-plus behind Marhoona in March’s Group 1 Galaxy (1100m), the mare drops markedly in class for the Bright Shadow even with added impost.
“It’s good form for a Listed race in Brisbane, so she lines up well in this,” Pride said.
Private Eye has been in fine fettle for Pride since his resuming third to fellow stable runner Mazu in the Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) King’s Secret on April 18, and the trainer anticipates another gritty effort in the Doomben 10,000.
“I couldn’t be happier with him. It’s a Group One race, they’re never easy, but he’s in great shape,” Pride said.
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