Star sprinter Private Harry returns in 2025 The Shorts
Private Harry’s undefeated streak has helped propel jockey Ash Morgan into the limelight, with the duo set to chase another feature win at Randwick this weekend.
The star sprinter will line up in the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) on Saturday as he builds towards the $20 million The Everest (1200m) in October.
For Morgan, the occasion is another chance to show how far he has come in 12 months. On the equivalent Saturday last year, he was riding on the provincial circuit at Newcastle. Today, he is a regular in Sydney’s jockeys’ room, thanks to his partnership with Nathan Doyle’s rising star.
The pair have already captured the Group 1 The Galaxy and the $3 million The Sunlight, while Morgan has further boosted his résumé with five additional stakes victories in 2025 and success in the Provincial-Midway Championships Final aboard Matcha Latte.
“When I first started riding I wasn’t accustomed to it but now I’m really getting used to it and I feel like I’m thriving off it so I’m hoping to do the same on Saturday,” Morgan said.
“The first time I rode him in the Sunlight, it was actually the biggest race I’d ridden in prizemoney-wise and I won that and won The Galaxy.
“I’ve been able to do it on other horses as well so I think that got me used to the environment and it has really helped me to improve as a rider.”
Private Harry is the $2.20 favourite for The Shorts, where he will meet Everest rivals Briasa and Joliestar. He also sits on the second line of betting for The Everest at $6 behind Ka Ying Rising.
“He is probably more forward than we have ever had him going into a first-up race,” Morgan said.
“He was always a big brute of a horse but he has come back a lot stronger through his shoulder and through his neck. He has taken that natural improvement into his four-year-old season that we would expect.
“He has got to go out and do it on Saturday but we feel like he is going to run a massive race.”
Those wanting to back Private Harry in The Shorts or for the The Everest can access the latest markets through leading Australian betting sites.
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...