City Of Lights brings a pedigree most can only dream of, and a victory in the Hawkesbury Crown would significantly boost her future at stud.
Being by Deep Impact and out of Vegas Showgirl, she is a half-sister to the legendary Winx, placing her in elite company both on paper and in public interest.
“She has got a pedigree that is almost too good to be true,” Pride said.
“Does it get any better? By Deep Impact and a half-sister to Winx, it’s ridiculous. You look at it and go, ‘that horse doesn’t belong in my stable’.”
While Pride may downplay his own standing, his record speaks for itself, and he’s focused on ensuring City Of Lights gets every opportunity to shine.
She’s already won four of her 12 races and returned from a spell with a promising second to Need Some Luck over 1200m at Randwick. The step up to 1300m in Saturday’s Hawkesbury feature should suit her well.
“She’s a horse that is hard to look at and not have in your mind that she is Winx’s sister. It’s something special,” Pride said.
“She is a good mare in her own right and if she can get the job done Saturday it will be a massive box ticked for her stud career as well.
“She should get a bit of a soft track which will help her and I have been very happy with her.
“It’s her best chance yet to get a stakes win or placing and that is so important.”
Pride also has a strong team in the Hawkesbury Gold Rush (1100m) with Dragonstone, In Flight, and Testator Silens lining up.
Testator Silens typically improves with a run, while Dragonstone is fit and ready. In Flight, second-up and likely to get wet ground, is one to watch.
“One hundred per cent, that is key for her,” Pride said of In Flight.
“I really like this mare. I think she’s a little ripper.
“I’m convinced the best race she wins will be on a bog track somewhere so it might be Saturday.”