The rise of Private Harry as one of Australia’s most exciting sprinters has gone hand in hand with the career progression of jockey Ash Morgan, who has made the most of his big-race opportunities.
The pair will again command attention at Randwick on Saturday when Private Harry looks to keep his unbeaten streak alive in the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m), a crucial lead-up to the $20 million The Everest (1200m) in October.
It marks a stark contrast to 12 months ago when Morgan was riding at Newcastle, booting home a winner for Private Harry’s trainer Nathan Doyle. Since then, the Welshman has become a fixture in Sydney’s jockey ranks thanks largely to his partnership with the star sprinter.
Private Harry and Morgan have already shared major success, combining to win the Group 1 The Galaxy and the $3 million The Sunlight, with Morgan also picking up five additional stakes wins this year and 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 faces a stern test in The Shorts, taking on Everest-bound rivals Briasa and Joliestar. He has been well supported as a $2.20 favourite and is second in 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.”
Punters keen to support Private Harry in The Shorts or later in The Everest can find odds at Australia’s best betting sites.