Joe Pride has a simple explanation why stable star Rain Affair continues to win. He tries harder than any horse he’s ever trained.
Pride has worked with some good horses in his time but none that rival the four-year-old for guts and determination.
The Warwick Farm trainer will aim to win his second Group One TJ Smith Stakes when Rain Affair and Neeson tackle the weight-for-age sprint at Randwick on Saturday.
Rain Affair’s fighting qualities were again on display at Rosehill last start when the gelding was taken on in front before he fended off all his rivals to claim the Challenge Stakes.
The Group Two win was Rain Affair’s 11th victory from just 13 starts.
“I haven’t been training as long as some but I’ve never worked with a horse that tries as hard as he does,” Pride said.
“He never comes back with an inch of energy left in him. He’s just amazing.
“He puts absolutely everything into it and just gives his all. That’s why he’s a winner and continues to win.”
The TJ Smith (1200m) provided arguably the highlight of last year’s autumn carnival when Black Caviar made her only Sydney appearance and chased down Hay List in a thrilling contest.
Adding to the merit of Rain Affair’s Challenge Stakes win, the race was run on a good track which is not the preferred ground for the gelding.
“I’m really happy with the way he has come through his last start and I look forward to maybe getting some rain this week in the lead up to the TJ,” Pride said.
Stablemate Neeson ran well for a close third in the Challenge and is a weight-for-age winner over 1200m at Randwick.
He won the Group Two Premiere Stakes on Epsom Handicap day last year and has been aimed at the TJ Smith.
Pride also won the race with Red Oog in 2006.
Neeson ran a half length third in the Challenge Stakes with his best form on good to dead tracks.
