Private Harry primed to take on fellow Everest hopefuls as he puts his unbeaten record on the line in The Shorts at Randwick

At least this is the opinion of part-owner Sean Driver of Kurrinda Bloodstock after observing the meticulous planning and preparation of Private Harry’s trainer Nathan Doyle as he readies the boom sprinter for his return to racing.

Doyle has given Private Harry two barrier trials and an exhibition gallop in recent weeks and Driver says: “He’s ready to go!”

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Driver, who purchased Private Harry as a yearling for what now looks a bargain basement buy of $115,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale two years ago, said the four-year-old has thrived during his winter break and has developed into a physically imposing racehorse.

“I think you will get a shock when you see Private Harry in the mounting yard on Saturday,’’ Driver said.

“He’s always had a presence about him but he’s turned from a colt into a stallion now. He’s probably 60-80kg heavier.

“There are no excuses, we can’t have the horse any better and I think he will make a statement on Saturday.’’

Private Harry is protecting his perfect race record of five wins from as many starts and is the $2.30 TAB favourite for The Shorts ahead of Briasa at $4 with Joliestar pressing at $5.

The trio, all Group 1 winners last autumn, are among the seven sprinters already selected for the $20m The TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 18.

There are still five slots up for grabs going into the world’s richest turf race.

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Private Harry was actually the first horse into The Everest after slot-holder, global racing and breeding giant Yulong bought into the sprinter after his The Galaxy win last March.

His win in The Galaxy was the culmination of an outstanding, undefeated five-race debut preparation which began with a Newcastle maiden win last November and continued to his breakthrough Group 1 win and Everest selection.

“We are trying to enjoy the process and just focusing on our horse going into his spring carnival,’’ Driver said.

“Nathan plans to run Private Harry again in the Premiere Stakes (October 4) and then it is two weeks to The Everest.

“Kurrinda Bloodstock is in the fortunate to be in the position to have two horses in on the day with Boston Rocks in The Kosciuszko.’’

The Shorts has been a reliable The Everest guide with Classique Legend (2020) and Redzel (2017) completing the double.

Golden Slipper winner Marhoona’s presence in The Shorts field adds further interest to a fascinating sprint.

Trainer Michael Freedman has not ruled out aiming Marhoona at The Everest if she runs up to expectations in The Shorts.

Slot-holder Mulberry Racing still has a vacant Everest slot so their sprinter Jedibeel’s performance in The Shorts will be closely scrutinised.

Originally published as Private Harry primed to take on fellow Everest hopefuls as he puts his unbeaten record on the line in The Shorts at Randwick