The consistent Cool Jakey defied a betting drift, wide barrier and 60kg impost to score a typically tough win in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1300m).
Pride conceded he was concerned Cool Jakey might have needed the run given the sprinter was having his first start in seven weeks.
“I thought he might have been a touch underdone with only the one 740m barrier trial between runs but he obviously had some residual fitness from his autumn campaign,” Pride said.
“But I’m happy to be proven wrong and that’s what these good horses like Cool Jakey can do, you can never underestimate him.
“Cool Jakey is just a really honest horse who has a go every time you he steps out there.
“He might not have a prolific winning record but he wins often enough (eight wins from 28 starts) and he’s just a good horse to have in the stable.”
Cool Jakey ($6), ridden by Adam Hyeronimus, raced on the speed and forged to the front over the race before safely holding off favourite Midnight Dynamite ($3.20) to win by just over a length with Hollywood Hero ($31) one-and-a-quarter lengths away third.
Pride said he will give Cool Jakey his chances at stakes level next start in the Listed Civic Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens in two weeks.
“The Civic is the race we have set him for and he will improve off this win,” the trainer added.
Cool Jakey is a rising seven-year-old but is another great advertisement for Pride’s skills to get the best out of older horses.
With that theme in mind, Pride has a trio of proven, seasoned campaigners in Private Eye, Headley Grange and Estadio Mestalla set for the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm next Saturday.
“My three are going to the Stradbroke in really good shape,” Pride said.
“They have had good preparations, they are in good form and I think they are genuine chances in the race.”
