The following was written by Darcy Cosgriff from Racing.com - on the PR Thoroughbreds-owned Run Harry Run
Run Harry Run has stamped itself not only as a contender for Australia’s best named horse, but also as a serious city grade galloper, posting a classy win in the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
The Mike Moroney trained gelding made the news when breaking his maiden easily at Kyneton, and backed it up with another victory at Benchmark 64 level the next start.
Part of this media attention was due to his dam, Maybe Markle – hence the name ‘Run Harry Run’, a nod to the seemingly never-ending saga between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and the Royals.
But after Saturday’s effort, the headlines will be more focussed on the son of Written Tycoon’s ability, and rightly so.
Around the bend, Run Harry Run ($17) was being ridden along by Daniel Stackhouse, while favourite Brave Mead ($3.70) looked to be travelling sweetly under a hold from Mark Zahra.
However, Moroney’s galloper let down nicely in clear air, putting in a few long, powerful strides to draw up to Brave Mead and throw down a challenge.
Those two paired off from the rest of the field but Run Harry Run found an extra gear in the last 100m and pulled clear to score, with Arkansaw Kid ($3.80) and Damien Oliver, possibly a victim of the track bias, running on well for third.
WATCH: Run Harry Run's win in the Sapphire Stakes at Caulfield
Moroney was very pleased with his gelding, who underwent the ultimate operation for a few different reasons.
Comparing Run Harry to star filly Coeur Volante, he said mentally they were both very professional, but physically couldn’t be further apart.
“He’s a really nice horse, he’s got a great brain. Just like the filly (Coeur Volante), really natural from day dot,” he said.
“Completely opposite to the filly in the way that he’s a big colt … he got that heavy that he was having front leg troubles, so we decided to geld him.
“We saw this race a while ago and thought that he was up to it. It has worked out perfectly.”
Stackhouse said his mount can still show signs of inexperience during races but puts in 100 per cent effort when asked.
He suggested another step-up in grade may be suitable.
“We got a lovely run in transit. My bloke is so green and raw still, but the more you ask the more he keeps improving,” he said.
“We wanted to be positive from that inside barrier… I felt like I was going to get there but he just took a while.
“He just seems to keep improving and every target you throw at him he seems to pass. Mike and his team have done a fantastic job.
“(G2) Sandown Guineas is only two weeks away, so we’ll see how the horse pulls up and Mike knows what he’s doing.”
However, should Run Harry Run's upward trajectory continue, Moroney may have a unique problem to deal with.
“Great name. One of the owners said to me before that if he gets to Royal Ascot, what are they going to say then?” he joked.
Comments