One of this Saturday’s four Group 1s at Randwick has lost a drawcard runner with unbeaten sprinter Private Harry set to bypass the $3 million T J Smith Stakes.
The Harry Angel colt’s co-owner Kurrinda Bloodstock announced on Monday morning that the last-start The Galaxy winner had been sent to the spelling paddock with sights already set on 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.”
Private Harry is already confirmed for this year’s $20 million The Everest after racing and breeding giant Yulong – which owns a slot in The Everest – struck a deal to purchase 50 percent of the Nathan Doyle-trained colt.
The Galaxy was Private Harry’s fifth racetrack appearance and first since a 2-1/2-length win over Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot in the $3m The Sunlight at the Sunshine Coast on January 4.
Private Harry’s withdrawal saw Newmarket Handicap winner Joliestar tighten her grip on favouritism for the 1200m event with Briasa, who ran fourth in The Galaxy, now sharing the second line of betting with Sunshine In Paris.
The T J Smith Stakes is a co-feature of Day 1 of The Championships, which also includes the $4m Doncaster Mile (1600m), $2m ATC Australian Derby (2400m) and $1m ATC Sires’ (1400m).
