The likelihood of a rain-affected Missile Stakes meeting has trainer Joe Pride considering options for Group 1 winner Private Eye.
Private Eye is a clear-cut favourite for the Missile, a Group 2 sprint run over 1200m at Randwick that is an established starting point for horses with spring ambitions.
However, Pride is wary of sending Private Eye out on a testing track in what would be the veteran’s first start since finishing third in the Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm in June.
As a precaution, the Warwick Farm trainer has nominated the $12.2 million earner to barrier trial alongside high-class stablemate Ceolwulf on his home track on Friday.
If Private Eye doesn’t resume in the Missile, Pride has Group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 23 or the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield on August 16 as first-up possibilities.
The Randwick track is already in the heavy range with up to 5mm of rain forecast on Friday and potentially another 15mm on Saturday.