While punters have put their faith in Kingsford Smith Cup winner Headley Grange, Pride believes Estadio Mestalla finally gets his chance at the weights.
Although he has won eight times, Estadio Mestalla has only one black-type success, in last year’s Winter Stakes. It is his consistency that has worked against him, with runner-up finishes in The Gong, The Ingham and Summer Cup helping to elevate his rating.
“He was only a half-kilo under Private Eye, who has won Group 1s and run in Everest, in the benchmark at home, and it makes it very tough for him,” Pride said.
“They have treated him differently up there, and he has a weight where he gets his chance in a Stradbroke.
“He gets three kilos off Private Eye, and that’s about right. He has the two runs to be ready for this, and I’m excited to see what he can do.”
Private Eye will look for the full set of Stradbroke placings after finishing runner-up to Alligator Blood in 2022 and third behind War Machine last year, both under 57kg. He carries 56.5kg on Saturday after finishing 1¼ lengths behind his stablemate in the Kingsford Smith Cup.
“I thought it was a very good effort last time and we know he will enjoy the pressure that comes in the Stradbroke, we have seen that before,” Pride said.
“He was bouncing off Headley Grange in the straight and just didn’t get that clear run.”
Nash Rawiller will stick with Private Eye and Chad Schofield will ride Estadio Mestalla. Both are $15 chances, but it is $6 favourite Headley Grange that punters want to see salute again.
Adam Hyeronimus found the inside run aboard Headley Grange in the Kingsford Smith Cup and will ride him at 55kg, which is a stretch for the heavyweight jockey.
“Adam gets on well with him and to have him getting down to 55 is a big advantage for us because he knows how to get the timing right with him,” Pride said.
“He stepped up to Group 1 level well this campaign and has been very competitive and took his chance last time.
“He will never get this type of weight in a handicap again.
“All three of them are very well, and now we just want good barriers.”
WATCH: Hedley Grange win the Kingsford Smith
