There were too many changes in The Everest story this year. Many great horses such as Menari, Nature Strip, Invincible Star and English had to bow out of the game earlier, thus making the competition almost bellicose. Their replacements were fresh winners, potent horses ready to take on the world. Behind the scenes many a raceday strategies would have changed. Jockeys, trainers, slot holders and owners would have come to logger heads. Of course all this is speculation but it doesn’t take a great stretch of imagination as to what could have happened after the ‘known devils’ changed to unknown angels.
Of course, this is the normal course of action for any race day. So for top trainers, last minute changes to horses and/or riders should make absolutely no difference to these top rated horses and their conditioners. They are used to seeing last minute scratchings on every raceday. Their horses are trained to run well irrespective of which other horse is in the field.
With that in mind let us look at each one of these blistering sprinters:
Trapeze Artist: Trapeze Artist has been one of the favourites for The Everest since markets were released in December. The brilliant 4YO is a noted big-race performer and Ryan has him primed for The Everest.
The Snitzel colt will be looking for a return clash with last year’s Everest winner Redzel. The super sprinter surged past Redzel in their last encounter when he won the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes over the Everest course and distance.
In Her Time: The Provincial Horse of the Year beat Trapeze artist in the recent Premier Stakes. The Group One winner is in peak form despite having to change trainers recently after her earlier trainer was suspended by the stewards. In Her Time had struggled with hoof problems in the past but Lees said that the mare’s feet were in good condition heading towards The Everest.
Redzel: Multi-Group one winning son of XX will be defending his title and has been looking quite strong in his campaign thus far in the season. However, just when one was getting convinced that he will be able to get away with the title again, someone threw a spanner in the works. Redzel came a surprising fifth in the Premeire Stakes, the last and most important lead up race to The Everest.
Redzel has been chopping and changing for favouritism with Trapeze Artist since the contender was announced, will now have to muscle up to beat other strong contestants such as Santa Ana Lane, Viddora and Shoals.
Brave Smash: Although the Japanese bred sprinter was third behind Invincable Star and Ball of Muscle at Randwick in The Shorts, they no longer matter. What does matter is that he was beaten by Viddora in the recent Moir Stakes, albeit at Mooney Valley. This is the new kid on the block who everyone has taken notice off would be the biggest hurdle for the son of Tosen Stardom.
The high quality sprinter claimed the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes before finishing second to Redkirk Warrior in the Group 1 $1.25m Newmarket Handicap. He can easily do it again.
Shoals: Anthony Freedman’s stable star has proved that he is indeed a star when she was runner up to stable mate Santa Ana Lane in the Premier Stakes in September. The fact that her slot holder is Star, just gives her more reason for her to shine. The daughter of Fastnet Rock earned her place in The Everest with three Group 1 wins at a variety of distances, different track conditions in three states. He’s proven he can give the best a run for their money
Viddora: Considered a Group 1 horse by slot holder Damion Flower, every day of the year, she was unlucky not to make the field for the inaugural Everest. Viddora was one of the last to be selected for The Everest, when she replaced Flower’s earlier runner English. She’s a seasoned traveller and accomplished at the top level. Many trainers’ hearts would have skipped a beat when she joined the A$13m race.
Santa Ana Lane: Ben Melham drove Santa Ana Lane along the rails late to make a big The Everest statement with victory in the Group II Premiere Stakes. This is the one the boys (Redzel and Trapeze Artist) have to watch out for. She came from behind (literally) and swooped away with trophy in the crook of her knee.
US Navy Flag: Coolmore has managed what many slot holders are hoping for. To have a their homebred horse compete in their own backyard at the highest level. He is the only international runner trained by the master of Ballydoyle. The Aidan O'Brien-trained US Navy Flag produced an impressive run and created a piece of history when winning the Darley July Cup in the form of completing a Newmarket Group 1 triple crown in the form of the Middle Park, Dewhurst and now Darley July Cup. There is no doubt this is a powerful horse whose trainer has probably sized up the other horses in the field with ease. However it will be his first time competing at the tough Randwick track.
The top class sprinter is slotted for a run in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint as well.
Vega Magic: It was his brilliant Bletchingly victory which cinched the deal. He was fourth in the Memsie but his trainer is confident of bringing him in his best form to the Everest gates.
Le Romain: 6 YO won three races at Group 1 level and has amassed A$2,889,575 in career earnings. The son of Hard Spun is regarded as an elite class of racehorse. The gelding ran fourth behind Trapeze Artist in the Group I T J Smith Stakes and also second placed behind Winx in the Gr. I George Main Stakes.
Graff: The Star Witness sired 3YO has performed at the highest level. He blisteringly won the San Domenico followed by a second place in the Run To The Rose and a third place in the Golden Rose. Horse is a diamond of the first water and should enjoy a dream run in The Everest.
Home Of The Brave: Team Godolphin, already enjoying an epic season in Australia, will go in search of one of flat racing’s biggest prizes when Home Of The Brave takes his place in the second running of The Everest. “There is also the threat of some rain, so along with coming back to 1,200m with some cut in the ground he would have conditions to suit” said his trained James Cummings. This late entry will keep the others in the field on their toes. The Irish bred entire has had 5 wins from 12 starts.