Ready to continue strong family connection

CONNECTIONS of well-bred youngster Private Eye hope he can continue his family’s strong ties with one of the country’s richest futurities.

Unbeaten from three starts, including a New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge heat, Private Eye is poised to contest a semi-final of the series at Club Menangle on Saturday night.

By Hes Watching, the three-year-old is from Oh Eye See, which finished third in the 2011 Breeders’ Challenge Final before winning a Regional Final the following season.

Oh Eye See is a half-sister to Breeders’ Challenge Final winners Eye See Diamonds and Hardhitter.

The trio’s older sibling Two Eye See contested the Victorian version – Vicbred Super Series – where he was among the placings in two Finals.

Like Eye See Diamonds and Hardhitter, Two Eye See enjoyed Group One success, with his triumph coming in the Kevin Seymour Nursery Final at Albion Park.

As for Private Eye, he is engaged in the opening qualifier for trainer Rob Xerri.

“He was trained in Victoria by Freddie Taiba, who sent him up for this series as he couldn’t travel due to the Corona virus restrictions,” Xerri explained.

“As soon as I started working him I knew he had the feeling of a nice horse.

“I’ve only given him one start which was in his heat last week when he was first-up for nearly eight months.

“He pulled up a treat from the run and has come along nicely since.”

To be driven by Robbie Morris, Private Eye has drawn barrier five but slots into four with the removal of the emergencies.

TAB Fixed Odds have the gelding listed as the $2 favourite, with Jerulas Grin considered the main danger at $2.25 from gate six.

“I think it is fair to say he has drawn the weaker semi,” Xerri said. “Hopefully he can take full advantage of that.

“Jerulas Grin is going to be hard to beat, but Mach Dan would have to be the biggest danger from the pole.”