Private Harry ($3.60) has kept his undefeated record intact to give Nathan Doyle and Ashley Morgan their maiden Group 1 success at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with the son of Harry Angel bursting clear to claim victory in the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m).
It’s now five wins on the trot for the ultra-talented three-year-old, extending his undefeated run into Group 1 company as Morgan continued his association after doing every piece of work last preparation.
It appeared to be the ideal setup on paper racing under handicap conditions, and it couldn’t have unfolded any better for Private Harry as he surged into the one-one with 53kg on his back.
Front Page () was heavily backed to give a bold sight as the main speed influence in the event, and that’s exactly how it played out as Tim Clark pressed to the lead from barrier five.
Eagle Nest () ensured a genuine tempo sitting to his outside under Rachel King, while the pair of Commemorative ($3.50) and Briasa ($5.50) were nowhere to be seen, settling towards the rear of the field every step of the way.
Private Harry was quick to take over as they turned into the home straight, as Front Page continued to whack away gallantly to hold onto second, while Uncommon James ($51) and Briasa powered home to put some value into the exotics.
It was all about the winner in the end, however, as Nathan Doyle spoke post-race.
“I dreamt of this as a kid, all I wanted to do was train horses,” said Doyle.
“The Group 1, Ash, the staff, Kurrinda, thanks so much. I can’t stop shaking.
“We are still at the stables at 9 o’clock at night just to check in that he’s OK. You just don’t want anything to go wrong. You get these opportunities with these horses, and they’re once in a lifetime. I’m just glad it’s all panned out.
“They said we were only scratching the surface with him, and we still are.
“It’s his fifth race start. I’ve done all the work with him at home, and even when I got him down here, it looked like a run short to me. He’s still carrying a bit of condition, there’s a bit of improvement left to come. Whatever you do today, don’t be disappointed because I think he’ll still run short.
“For him to do that, he’s just bombproof. He just idles up to them, and he can ride a hot speed, and he showed today he can take a sit as well.
“So he’ll go to a TJ in a couple of weeks, and I’d say he’ll be back in the paddock and hopefully go to an Everest.”
Ashley Morgan then spoke about claim his first Group 1 success.
“Amazing – really like to appreciate you and everyone for supporting me and wishing me well,” said Morgan.
“I was a bit cautious out the gates, I thought you’d pull the shoes, I’d let us check if I don’t want anything to go wrong.
“Growing Empire 1, not to be in the gates, but when they gates open, he’s so good, he’s such a free roll and a quick horse, and when Eagle Nest crossed and I said come back, he was finally relaxed and good, and when I straightened up, he sees that straight and he just grabs and goes, you know, and the scary thing is he will improve for it.
“I gave it a big salute, and I was like, oh, I sure won. So, I don’t know, I look stupid, but I’m still looking at my eyes. You get in that moment, and there’s just a ton of booze in there, and it was just pure ecstasy, which is an amazing feeling, I can’t describe.”
Private Harry is now on the second line of betting at $5 with horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) on April 5.
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