MURRAY “NOSE” HARRY’S BAR IS READY TO GO

THINGS are “looking up” for Kembla Grange trainer Paul Murray.

And for his pair of lightly-raced four-year-old mares Welcometobarbados and Harry’s Bar as well.

Murray unfortunately missed a chance to emulate his legendary late father Bede (who won the inaugural Provincial Championships Final at Royal Randwick with Sure And Fast in 2015) when Welcometobarbados was found to have chipped a bone in her off fore fetlock only days before this year’s Final was held on April 12.

Welcometobarbados, who cost only $700 and has won five of her nine starts, thankfully is doing well in the early stages of her rehab.

Now Murray’s focus turns to Harry’s Bar for her resumption at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow with an important gear change.

He will race the daughter of Harry Angel in a nose roll at her first start since December, and has explained why he made the gear change.

“Harry’s Bar was to have had her first trial back at Kembla Grange on May 12, but got down in the gates and couldn’t run,” Murray said.

“So I decided to use a nose roll to make sure she looks up and not down.”

Harry’s Bar trialled in the new gear when she began quickly and led throughout in an 1175m heat on the synthetic track at Warwick Farm, defeating Golden Mile and Swift Gun.

Whilst she goes into the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill on the back of only the one trial, Murray isn’t concerned.

“I’m really happy with her,” he said. “She is ready to go back to the races.”

Harry’s Bar, a Canterbury winner last August before two seconds on the Kensington track, went north for the Listed Falvelon Quality (1200m) at Eagle Farm on December 21, but was unplaced.

“That race carried Wild Card status for the Magic Millions carnival at the Gold Coast the following month, so we had a throw at the stumps,” Murray said.

“We brought her home, and she had her first decent spell.

“It’s all about getting her confidence back, and I’m looking to step her up to 1400m this time in work.

“She hasn’t raced past 1250m, but gives every indication she will handle it.”

Jean Van Overmeire, who was to have partnered Welcometobarbados in the PMC Final, rides Harry’s Bar at Rosehill.

Whilst he hasn’t ridden the mare in a race, he was aboard when she won the Warwick Farm trial.

Harry’s Bar was a $4 favorite with TAB.com.au on Friday morning for her resumption, ahead of Scone debut winner I Am Brave ($4.40) and Hawkesbury trainer Blake Ryan’s mare Lady Extreme, who is also resuming following four consecutive city seconds last campaign, at $4.60.

Murray, meanwhile, is pleased with Welcometobarbados’ progress after the shock of having to withdraw her from the PMC Final. 

“She remained in the stable after the problem was found, and we have done a lot of walking with her,” he said.

“Welcometobarbados will swim for a month, and then spend another month on the water walker and then go to the paddock.

“I’m sure she will come back next season as good as ever.”

Story John Curtis, May 30 - Pics Bradley Photos