PRIVATE HARRY SECURES GOLD COAST SLOT

Private Harry has secured himself a slot in the $3 million TAB Magic Millions Sunlight 1100m (SW -3yo) to be run on the Gold Coast on Saturday January 4, 2025 following an emphatic victory at Hawkesbury on November 21. The son of Harry Angel x Happy Pilgrim, at only his second start, made light work of the Provincial BM 64 field, scoring by seven lengths over the 1100m journey. Private Harry scorched over the trip in 1:02.31, covering the final 600m in 32.99 seconds.

“Horses like him are the reason you are at work at 3.30am” said Nathan immediately following the race. “We have always known he has ability and his trials had shown that, but to see what he has done in his two race day performances is breathtaking. He is such a big-striding horse that it doesn’t look like he is going quick, but he is. He has a very high cruising speed, and is then able to quicken of it - it is very exciting” he added.

The TAB Magic Millions Sunlight is a new addition to the Gold Coast program this year, and is restricted to twelve slot holders, with Private Harry to run in the slot owned by B2B Thoroughbreds. "B2B and Kurrinda Bloodstock are excited to announce the exciting 3YO colt Private Harry as a starter in the $3m TAB Magic Millions Sunlight. We believe he is a horse with tremendous ability that will make his presence felt on race night." stated Ricky Surace, owner of B2B Thoroughbreds.

Private Harry is likely to have one more start before heading north, with a 3yo BM 72 1200m at Rosehill on December 7 a possible option. “He will head to the Sunlight with three runs under his belt, and I am sure he will measure up. It is a very exciting time for the stable, and we are truly thankful for the wonderful support we get from our loyal owners” added Nathan.

In winning at Hawkesbury, Private Harry proved he was not one-dimensional. Having taken a sit behind the speed on debut at Newcastle, Private Harry led all the way at Hawkesbury with rider Ash Morgan stating post-race “I gave him a squeeze out of the gates and he just put himself there. He relaxed nicely, and when I asked him to quicken he put them away in one stride. I am not sure where he will end up, but he has got a serious engine”.

 

CELESTIAL FURY SHINES AT NIGHT

Celestial Fury scored the fifth win of his career when successful at the Canterbury night meeting on November 15. Celestial Fury, who was fourth up this preparation, was aided by a great Tim Clark ride to score a narrow victory over the 1900m trip. “He was very tough, and Tim was able to lift him over the line. He will now likely head to a Saturday race on December 7 at Rosehill where he will get in light at the weights. He will step up to 2000m which won’t be a problem, and now he has found form I am sure he will hold it” said Nathan following the win.

Celestial Fury has had 32 starts for five wins, and nine minor placings, amassing $241,850 in prizemoney along the way.

CHURCHILL’S CHOICE SCORES ON DEBUT

Three-year-old filly Churchill’s Choice (Churchill x She’s Choice) rewarded the patience of her owner when successful on debut at Scone on November 19. Churchill’s Choice had had two trials in June before heading to the paddock without a start. The filly then returned to the stable and trialled on October 22 prior to heading to Scone. “This is a great reward for her owner Mr. Hill who has allowed us to take our time with her” said Nathan after the win. “She is a filly who will take great benefit not only from the run, but from the whole race day experience”.

Similarly, rider Alysha Collett was impressed “She will take plenty out of that. She got a little warm behind the gates, but travelled kindly. When she changed legs and accelerated near the 100m she really knuckled down and was strong through the line – she is a nice filly”.

IMPRESSIVE TRIAL MORNING AT WYONG

 A team of seven horses represented the stable at the barrier trials conducted at Wyong on Tuesday November 26, with three winners and two runners-up amongst them. “I know they are only trials but they all got pass marks. It is not about winning the trials - it is about seeing where the horses are at, and rider feedback is vital” said Nathan when asked how the team had performed. “Six were having there second trial this preparation and will hopefully now progress to the races. We also trialled five after the race meeting at Newcastle on Wednesday (November 27) so we will have a few runners heading to the races in coming weeks”.

Extreme Courage, Avalon Lady and Tokyo Lady all won trials at Wyong, with Monty Be Quick and The Eyes Have It finishing second in their respective heats, while at Newcastle Rush Hour and All Black were successful in their heats.

 

STABLE STRIKE RATE REMAINS STRONG

 

At the time of writing, the Doyle Racing team in the 2024-25 season have had 101 starters for twenty-one winners, with a further thirty-one placegetters. To have over 20% of runners victorious, and over 50% of the runners finish in the first three is truly an outstanding strike rate. The twenty-one winners have the team placed in the top fifteen in the NSW Trainers Premiership, a remarkable effort with a maximum of forty-two horses in work at any one time. The stable has earned prizemoney of $1,196,663 for the season thus far.

 

ONE TO FOLLOW

 

RUSH HOUR: The four-year-old son of Russian Revolution x Pearl Congenial showed he was somewhere near back to his best with a solid three length win in a trial at Newcastle on November 27. The gelding who has had eight career starts for two victories and one minor placing has not raced since July 6, however both trials this time in have indicated he may well be in for a good preparation.