Missile Stakes favourite Private Eye has been officially withdrawn from Saturday’s Group 2 feature at Royal Randwick.
Trainer Joe Pride confirmed the decision on social media Friday morning, stating the star sprinter would instead trial at Warwick Farm before being scratched from the race.
The eight-year-old had been installed as the early favourite for the $300,000 sprint, set to be his first run since finishing third in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap in June.
Private eye will trial at WF this morning and be withdrawn from @royalrandwick after the trial@RayThomas_1 @DufficyRon
— Pride Racing (@PrideRacing) August 7, 2025
Pride had kept multiple options open throughout the week due to concerns over the weather and Randwick’s already heavy-rated track. While the Missile Stakes was always the preferred kick-off point, the Warwick Farm trainer had also nominated Private Eye for Friday’s trial as a contingency, where he lined up alongside stablemate Ceolwulf.
Alternative targets now include the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield or the Group 1 Winx Stakes later this month.
The withdrawal is likely to see market reshuffles, with General Salute and Robusto now prominent in Missile Stakes odds.
Private Eye leads the journey in the opening trial at Warwick Farm with stablemate Ceolwulf not to far behind! 🏇@PrideRacing pic.twitter.com/acgJnNCY8k
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) August 8, 2025
