Seven-year-old gelding Eduardo kept his record at a perfect two for two since joining the stables of Joe Pride when leading at every call in Saturday’s Group II Iron Jack Missile Stakes at Rosehill Gardens.
A Group II winner at Caulfield when trained by Sarah Zschoke, the lightly raced 7yo son of Host (CHI) stuck to his guns gamely in the straight, despite rolling around, to defeat Godolphin’s Medaglia D'Oro (USA) mare Flit by one and a half lengths with the Oasis Dream gelding Imaging (GB) a long-neck back in third.
It was a third win in the race for Pride after Rain Affair in 2011 and 2013.
“This horse has got a bit of fight about him and he makes his own luck and has a good kick,” Pride said.
“He’s beaten some good horses and you would have to say he has improved a couple of lengths on what he did the other day.
“I’m just waiting from a call from a slot-holder (in the Everest). Why wouldn’t you?
“I think he is a really good sprinter and he has shown in his two starts here that he can run 1200m, he is adaptable, he took a sit in his first win and led today.”
The winner of the Group II MRC Caulfield Sprint in 2018, Eduardo advances his record to 5 wins, 2 seconds and 3 thirds from 14 starts with earnings of $476,900.
He is the third winner from as many foals out of the unraced Fantastic Light (IRE) mare Blushing who has not been returned to the Stud Book since Eduardo was foaled in 2013.
Blushing is a granddaughter of the Group III QTC Lightning Handicap winner Peggy Ann.
Eduardo is one of six stakes-winners for Hussonet's Chilean-bred son Host (ARG) who died earlier this year.
