One of the marquee Group 1 races at Randwick this Saturday will be missing a key contender, with unbeaten sprinter Private Harry set to skip the $3 million T J Smith Stakes.

Co-owner Kurrinda Bloodstock confirmed on Monday morning that the promising Harry Angel colt, fresh off his victory in The Galaxy, will be sent for a spell, with connections already shifting focus to the spring.

“Private Harry is a very exciting, undefeated colt. What he has achieved so far is outstanding and it needs to be remembered that his first start was only in November 2024,” Kurrinda said in a statement.

“Whilst running Private Harry in the T J Smith Stakes 2025 is tempting, we feel he will benefit greatly from the opportunity to rest in anticipation of the Spring Carnival and, ultimately, the 2025 TAB Everest.

“Private Harry returns to the paddock a happy, healthy and sound horse.”

The colt’s slot in this year’s $20 million The Everest is already locked in, following a deal in which racing powerhouse Yulong—holder of an Everest slot—acquired a 50 percent stake in the Nathan Doyle-trained runner.

Private Harry’s triumph in The Galaxy marked his fifth career start and his first outing since his dominant 2-1/2-length win over Golden Slipper champion Lady Of Camelot in the $3 million The Sunlight at the Sunshine Coast on January 4.

His withdrawal has now seen Newmarket Handicap winner Joliestar firm as the favourite for the 1200m showdown, while Briasa, who finished fourth in The Galaxy, has moved into equal second favoritism alongside Sunshine In Paris.

The T J Smith Stakes is one of the headline events on Day 1 of The Championships, sharing the spotlight with the $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m), $2 million ATC Australian Derby (2400m), and $1 million ATC Sires’ (1400m).