Cover image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Private Harry dominant at Gosford
There may not have been a trial field stacked with Group performers in the Open 1000-metre heat at Gosford for unbeaten sprinter Private Harry (Harry Angel {IRE}) to contend with, but the way the talented colt dispatched his opposition under a hold showed the Nathan Doyle-trained runner is back - and back in a big way.
Jockey Ashley Morgan was content to sit outside the leader Gogmagog (Zoustar) until taking over clearly around the 500-metre mark. From there, it was a one-act affair as Private Harry dominated by just over four lengths, with Gogmagog holding second, and Bernen Win (Shooting To Win) running third - more than seven lengths behind the G1 Galaxy Handicap winner.
The G2 Shorts Handicap is the initial target, and Kurrinda Bloodstock commented to racenet.com
“Nathan plans to give Private Harry another trial in two weeks in Sydney and then the horse will have an exhibition gallop before going first-up in The Shorts,” Driver added.
Jimmy was very strong late with an eye-catching third
In the Open 800-metre heat at Gosford, the Ciaron Maher-trained and Louise Day-ridden Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) ran a slashing third on Monday.
Given a very quiet ride early, the gelding settled well back in the field, but his late splits would have been sharp on the Heavy 8 track. He closed to within just over a length of the winner, the Todd Howlett-trained Tanglewood (Smart Missile), and runner-up Broadway Bouncer (Kermadec {NZ}).
In fact, just after the winning post, the son of Per Incanto (USA) had surged through the line in front, going through his gears strongly - a clear sign he’ll be ready to fire first-up and then progress towards the G1 The Everest.
Briasa was big and bold as he led all the way
The Michael, John and Wayne Hawkes-trained Group 1-winning sprinter Briasa (Smart Missile) dominated from the front in a 900-metre trial at Canterbury, leading all the way under jockey Zac Lloyd. He comfortably accounted for a strong field, with Airman (I Am Invincible) running on well to finish a length and a half behind his stablemate.
Exciting 3-year-olds Rivellino (Too Darn Hot {GB}) and North England (Farnan) finished third and fourth respectively, with the Kris Lees-trained Rivellino particularly eye-catching late.
Briasa, winner of the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes in the autumn, has been selected for The Everest by slot-holders Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Col Madden and Steve McCann.
The smart gelding now boasts seven wins from just 10 starts and looks to have returned in excellent order with connections firmly targeting Group 1 glory again.
Converge has them all covered
Dual Group 1-winner Converge (Frankel {GB}) showed he hasn’t lost any enthusiasm for racing at 7-years-old, dictating terms from the front to win Heat 1 at Canterbury over 1100 metres.
The son of Frankel (GB) was ridden with intent by Tim Clark, pushing early to lead from Stefi Magnetica (All Too Hard), who sat outside the leader throughout. When asked late, Stefi Magnetica responded gamely and attacked the line well. Lindermann (Lonhro) was given a quiet ride in third and relaxed nicely in the trail, a pleasing trial for him ahead of racing.
Bonita Queen scorches around Canterbury
Bonita Queen (I Am Invincible) was a mare in a hurry in the second heat for Group horses at Canterbury over 900 metres. The Bjorn Baker-trained mare, ridden by Jason Collett, was having her third trial this preparation and looked sharp as she opened up a huge margin of around eight lengths before the turn.
King Of Pop (Farnan), the talented 3-year-old colt trained by Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou, settled in a distant second but made up ground late, closing to within a length and a half in an eye-catching performance.
The Team Hawkes-trained duo of Swiftfalcon (Exceedance) and boom colt Nepotism (Brutal {NZ}) were also strong in their return trials, finishing third and fourth respectively. Meanwhile, talented gallopers Coleman (Pierata), Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) and Hidden Achievement (I Am Invincible) were all given quiet outings and weren’t asked to get outside their comfort zone and chase the hot early speed.
Devil Night resumes in nice fashion, as Fire Star wins nicely
He may not have won the heat, but the connections of G1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Devil Night (Extreme Choice) would be pleased with how the 3-year-old colt has returned, finishing a solid second behind the stakes-performed 5-year-old mare Fire Star (Deep Field), trained by Peter Snowden.
Fire Star | Image courtesy of Georgia Young Photography
Devil Night, trained by the Hawkes team for Yu Long Investments, settled nicely in second and worked to the line under minimal pressure. Fire Star was impressive leading all the way, and looks well-placed to pick up a stakes race this campaign for owners Kia Ora Stud and Encompass Bloodstock.
