2025 The Everest: Private Harry, Briasa step up preparations with scintillating trial wins
The Nathan Doyle -trained Private Harry monstered his rivals in a 1000m heat at Gosford, racing clear from the turn to win by more than four lengths under a 'stranglehold'' by jockey Ashley Morgan.
Then a few minutes later at Canterbury, Team Hawkes ' stable star Briasa contested a Group trial over 900m and led throughout under Zac Lloyd to win with his ears pricked by one-and-a-half lengths.
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Both outstanding sprinters were having their first barrier trial hit-outs of the new season and demonstrated why they are so high in betting for The Everest at Royal Randwick on October 18 – Private Harry is second favourite at $6 and Briasa next at $8 behind Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising ($1.80 favourite).
Although unbeaten Private Harry's Gosford trials rivals were only moderate, the four-year-old's speed, acceleration and sheer class were obvious.
'Ash (Morgan, jockey) was speechless, he couldn't believe how good Private Harry horse felt,'' Sean Driver, of part-owner Kurrinda Bloodstock, said.
'The horse was in second gear through the trial, he has come back better.''
"Private Harry coasts down to the line under his own steam."
The #TABEverest campaign for the unbeaten @ndoyleracing 4yo is underway with an easy trial win at @gosford_races on Monday over Gogmagog and Bernen Win. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/N9BG0rlsvD
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) August 17, 2025
Private Harry, winner of his five starts including the Group 1 The Galaxy last autumn, is due to have another barrier trial before his likely return to racing in the Group 2 $1 million The Shorts (1100m) at Royal Randwick on September 20.
'Nathan plans to give Private Harry another trial in two weeks in Sydney and then the horse will have an exhibition gallop before going first-up in The Shorts,'' Driver added.
Global racing and breeding giant Yulong purchased a half-share in Private Harry earlier this year and has selected the sprinter to run in its Everest slot.
The 'Grey Flash' Briasa is at the same stage of his preparation as Private Harry and also looked in great order as he dominated his Canterbury trial, easily defeating a classy line-up with stablemate Airman working home nicely for second ahead of promising three-year-olds Rivellino and North England.
1⃣ Briasa
2⃣ Airman
3⃣ Rivellino
Birthday boy @ZacLloydx guides the #TABEverest third favourite to a comfortable trial win over 900m at Canterbury on Monday. Others to trial were North England, Commemorative, West Of Africa & Shadizi. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/Qm39Ghzr41
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) August 17, 2025
Briasa has won seven of his 10 starts including the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes last autumn and has been picked up for The Everest by slot-holders Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Col Madden and Steve McCann.
Ka Ying Rising (Hong Kong Jockey Club) and Jimmysstar (TAB) are the only other sprinters with confirmed slots for the 12-horse Everest field.
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