Cover image courtesy of Magic Millions
Since the unbeaten colt Private Harry burst away to win the $3 million Sunlight Classic on the Gold Coast by an impressive 2.43l, there has been one thing on connections' mind: the G1 Galaxy Handicap. On Saturday, he puts his credentials on the line as he bids for Group 1 glory for connections and to set him up as a valuable stallion prospect.
Is Harry ready?
With Private Harry (Harry Angel {Ire}) set to take on his biggest challenge yet this Saturday, Sean Driver of Kurrinda Bloodstock is brimming with confidence.
“It’s all systems go, all the boxes are ticked, we are very happy, now it is up to the horse.”
“It’s all systems go, all the boxes are ticked, we are very happy, now it is up to the horse (Private Harry).” - Sean Driver
Trainer Nathan Doyle echoed those sentiments, adding, “He’s done nothing wrong to date. This is his biggest step, taking on the older horses, but he deserves his opportunity.”
Reflecting on the preparation, Driver confirmed that everything has gone exactly to plan. “He trialled super in Sydney, and he needed that. He gets stimulated from a trip away, and his trial at home was okay,” he explained.
“He is not a great trackworker, he does what he has to do. Sometimes, if you saw some of his work at home, you’d be shocked. But he’s a racehorse, he knows what race day is for.”
Sean Driver | Image courtesy of Kurrinda Bloodstock
Despite his laid-back approach at home, Driver noted that Harry’s most recent work suggests he’s in peak condition. “His work on Tuesday at home was as good as he has done this preparation.
"It was in company, he ran good time, looked very sharp, and pulled up very well. It is clear that he is ready to go.”
What makes him so good?
Private Harry's record shows that he is smart, he is unbeaten in four starts, winning by a combined margin of 14.12l. He has already secured victories at Newcastle, Hawkesbury, and Rosehill, but his most significant triumph came at the Gold Coast, where he dominated the $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Sunlight Plate with a stunning 2.43l win.
The form out of that race has been franked in no uncertain terms. Runner-up Lady Of Camelot (Written Tycoon) has since placed three times behind the outstanding filly Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel) at Group 2, and twice at Group 1 level—after previously running second to Switzerland (Snitzel) in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Arabian Summer (Too Darn Hot {GB}) who finished third, has since won the G3 Kevin Hayes Stakes at Caulfield and ran a tough fifth in the G1 Oakleigh Plate. El Morzillo (Star Witness), who was well beaten into fifth, bounced back to win a $1 million race down the straight at Flemington in her next start.
Private Harry winning the Magic Millions 3YO Sunlight Plate | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
When asked what makes Private Harry special, Driver was emphatic. “He is unbeaten, and he is still so untapped.
“The data we have on him illustrates his talent, his sectionals are always great, his cruising speed is elite, and he’s so natural.
“He (Private Harry) is unbeaten, and he is still so untapped.” - Sean Driver
“He jumps, lands in a good spot, and travels on the bridle and he can cruise off a hot speed and then sprint off it. That’s what makes him so exciting, he does things easily.”
Doyle added, “He’s done it all in his first racing preparation. That’s the exciting part.”
The Harry Angel Influence
Driver admitted that Harry Angel (Ire) wasn’t a major factor when purchasing Private Harry, but he’s now thrilled to have a standout colt and a potential stallion prospect, by a stallion enjoying a sensational run of form.
This weekend, Harry Angel could have a massive impact, with three key Group 1 contenders, Private Harry in The G1 Galaxy Handicap, Tom Kitten in the G1 George Ryder Stakes, and Stretan Angel in the G1 William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley.
Gallery: Harry Angel (Ire) has multiple Group 1 runners on Saturday, March 22, image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
All three runners bring strong form. Tom Kitten recently defeated the outstanding Mr Brightside (NZ) in the G1 All-Star Mile, while Stretan Angel has been ultra consistent this preparation, running slashing placings in both the G1 Lightning Stakes, and the G1 Newmarket Handicap.
Harry Angel has sired 191 winners worldwide at a strong 59 per cent winners-to-runners ratio, with 17 stakes winners at an impressive 5.3 per cent stakes winners-to-runners ratio. His influence is only growing and should continue to grow, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere.
Darley Stud’s Alastair Pulford noted, “He’s a very good stallion. He retired in the same year as The Autumn Sun and Justify, who stood at much higher fees. In addition, Harry Angel is from a relatively unknown sire line in Australia.
"But one thing is clear, he improves mares. As he gains access to better mares, his results should only get better. Right now, he couldn’t be doing much more, and he’s firmly on the radar of major breeders and trainers.”
Harry Angel (Ire) | Standing at Darley Australia
What was he like as a yearling?
When Kurrinda Bloodstock and Doyle Racing secured Private Harry for $115,000 at the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale from Rheinwood Pastoral, they had no idea of the journey he would take them on.
“We bought him purely on type,” Driver recalled. “We really liked him, he was a nice, athletic, strong colt. To be fair, he didn’t have much pedigree, and I didn’t know much about the sire at the time.
“Luke Pepper trained the mother, and most people probably would have asked why we bought him. But I’ve always been a type buyer, I haven’t had the budget for those with big pedigrees, so I focus on type.
"My thinking is, if they look like an athlete, hopefully, they can run.”
Private Harry as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis
His dam, Happy Pilgrim (Congrats {USA}), clearly produces quality types in Driver's mind, and the team’s faith in her has been rewarded. Since Private Harry’s emergence, they’ve purchased his half-siblings by Anders and Captivant at the last two Inglis Classic Yearling Sales.
Discussing the Captivant filly they picked up for $220,000 at this year’s Inglis Classic, Driver said, “She’s doing really good. We still have a couple of shares available, but not many, so get in touch quickly via the website.
“She’s currently being early educated at Gordon Pratt’s and is progressing very well. She’s definitely one to look forward to.”
Lot 274 - Captivant x Happy Pilgrim (filly) | Image courtesy of Inglis
Driver’s respect for the opposition
This year’s Galaxy Handicap presents an intriguing contest, with proven Group 1 winners like Mazu (Maurice {Jpn}) and Uncommon James (Cable Bay {Ire}) carrying the top weights, while several up-and-coming talents, including Private Harry, carry lighter imposts.
According to the market, Briasa (Smart Missile) and Commemorative (I Am Invincible) shape as two of the hardest to beat in the $1 million Handicap.
Gallery: Two of the hardest to beat in the G1 Galaxy Handicap, image courtesy of Sportpix
Driver remains confident but respectful. “I have complete faith in my guy, but I’m not going into the race arrogant, I’m very respectful of the opposition. It’s not just a gimme, we have to earn it. They don’t give Group 1's away.”
Asked if Private Harry has improved since his last run, Driver said, “He put on about 20kg in his 10 days off, and he did well. He has been training well, we think he’s improved.
“I have complete faith in my guy (Private Harry), but I’m not going into the race arrogant, I’m very respectful of the opposition. It’s not just a gimme, we have to earn it. They don’t give Group 1's away.” - Sean Driver
"Our data man, Dave Dyson, believes he may have improved by two or three lengths. But just as importantly, we feel he has matured significantly.”
Future plans—What’s next if all goes well?
As always with top-class horses, connections have one eye on future targets. While everything hinges on how he comes through Saturday, there are exciting options ahead.
“Safely through Saturday, we have our eye on either the TJ Smith or the Arrowfield,” Driver said. “If he comes out and wins impressively this weekend, we’d probably be silly not to go for the TJ. But if we feel he needs the extra week, the Arrowfield is a very nice option as well.”
Regardless of which path they take, one thing is certain, Private Harry will head to the paddock after those targets.
When asked about the ultimate goal, Driver didn’t hesitate. “If we get the job done on Saturday, we’d love to take him to Royal Ascot. That would be the main aim.
“If we get the job done on Saturday, we’d love to take him (Private Harry) to Royal Ascot. That would be the main aim.” - Sean Driver
“Winning a Group 1 in both the Southern and Northern Hemispheres would look pretty good on his CV, and Australian horses have a great record over there.”
Confident in his colt’s temperament, Driver believes he would handle the travel with ease. “I think he’d be an ideal horse to take overseas. He’s pretty bombproof, travels well, holds good condition, and to be honest, he’s a lamb, he’s a cool, cruisy horse.”
