Promising young colt Private Harry has continued to impress throughout his career, and trainer Nathan Doyle is now preparing him for his biggest challenge yet in The Galaxy at Rosehill.
With an undefeated record in four starts, Private Harry is the early frontrunner for Saturday’s 1100m feature under handicap conditions, making this an exciting step in his progression.
Doyle, in pursuit of his maiden Group 1 triumph, has had The Galaxy in his sights since Private Harry’s last dominant victory in the $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight 3YO Plate (1100m) at the Sunshine Coast in January.
The colt has enjoyed a seamless preparation, which included two successful barrier trials at Rosehill and Newcastle, ensuring he is in peak condition for Saturday’s race.
“He didn’t have long off, just 10 days,” Doyle said.
“He held a little bit of residual fitness so he’ll be going to the race more forward than a horse that’s normally first-up.
“You can’t go in underdone, you’ve got to be primed and ready to go.
“At the same time, a few of them will be first-up and the second favourite (Briasa) is likely to be first-up as well.
“So he’s probably meeting them on level pegs a bit there, and we’re really happy with the horse.”
Private Harry’s commanding performance in the Magic Millions Sunlight 3YO Plate, where he surged past Golden Slipper champion Lady Of Camelot by 2-1/2 lengths with Arabian Summer finishing third, showcased his potential at the highest level.
“You’d love to bottle that feeling up, it was absolutely brilliant,” Doyle said.
“And I think the best thing is the form lines have held up around him, they’ve been quite strong out of that Sunlight as well.
“Even when you go back to Hawkesbury, he won by seven lengths and the horse that ran second that day has run second in a Group 2.”
Following a solid gallop on Saturday morning, Private Harry will complete his final serious workout on Tuesday before heading to The Galaxy.
Doyle sees The Galaxy as the perfect race for the colt’s Group 1 debut.
“You’re not to know until you really step them up,” Doyle said.
“You don’t see how fast they can go at trackwork but what we see from him, he’s matured. He’s taken everything in a lot better, he’s still working nice and sharp but also relaxing well in the early stages of his gallops, everything you want to see with him.
“He’s trialled up well on two occasions. With no weight on his back we feel it’s the right race and he’ll be going to the race in terrific order.”
The Galaxy is one of five Group 1 events scheduled at Rosehill on Saturday, alongside the Golden Slipper, George Ryder Stakes, Ranvet Stakes, and Rosehill Guineas.