Preview: Gr.2 The Shorts (Raceing video, Runner list, Race info)
The Shorts, one of the most highly anticipated sprints, looms as a genuine preview for The Everest. The Group Two feature has attracted some of the world's best proven short distance specialists. Redzel should lead this event from the inside with Jonker, Sunlight and Classique Legend not too far away. Pierata really impressed first up when closing very well over an unsuitable trip in the Concorde Stakes, so he should enjoy this step up to 1100 for sure. While Osbourne Bulls should be very strong late. We take a look at each of the runners in our comprehensive preview:
Santa Ana Lane: The highest rated sprinter in the race, is coming back to track after a two great trials. The son of Lope De Vega won the T.J. Smith in the autumn by a big space and has the form to get to the finish line ahead of the pack.
Redzel: Although he was written off by some, he was strong in winning last start at Randwick when first up and won three of eight when faced with a heavy track. He seems to be right on the money for The Everest.
Pierata: Another sprinter who was happily retired but seems had a lot more to give. New owner Aquis believed in him enough to make him their representation for the A$14 Everest. The son of Pierro, proved to Aquis and trainer Hickman that they were right to trust his winning prowess. The 5YO hit the line strongly when a close second in the Concorde Stakes and should be competitive in this field despite the fact that he has an extra 100m to travel.
Osborne Bulls: The second horse to be travelling without blinkers, is back from 19 week spell. Trialed well at Rosehill. The Street Cry gelding was unlucky not to record a maiden Group One win last time in and finished second in each of his five starts, all at the highest level. He is Godolphin's runner of choice for their A$14 million Everest slot.
Viridine: Another Godolphin entry, is back after a 15 break and has trialed at Canterbury. Although placed at Randwick when last fresh may be outclassed in this august company.
Classique Legend: Bon Ho owned sprinter showed plenty of promise in his first preparation having won three of his four starts including his Gr.2 Arrowfield before spelling. This is his toughest test to date looks up to the task.
Home of The Brave: This Godolphin sprinter is back after a 15 week spell. He disappointed in his last start, although he placed well behind Classique Legend in his trial. May not have the 'spirit' to win this one and at the end of the day thats what counts.
In Her Time: She is back in after a spell of 28 weeks and has placed once in two trials. As a mature horse she does well when last fresh and the trainer has kept her happy. She always 'wants' to win and that's what counts when the going gets tough.
Sunlight: The mare who represents the interests of Neil Werrett and Max Whitby in The Everest, beat one runner home when resuming in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes.
However, The Concorde Stakes stewards’ report noted Sunlight pulled up lame after the race but the mare passed a vet’s inspection in the days after the race. Traner McEvoy said the daughter of
Zoustar had not done too much work in the lead-up to The Shorts and should be back to her spitfire ways in this one.
Graff: The 2018 Everest contender finished well on the Redzel's heels in his last start at Randwick. However there are many more in-form runner in this race and Graff has to prove himself a real diamond in the rough to be 'picked-up' for The Everest.
Jonker: Although the D I Atkins-trained, Spirit Of Boom colt is back after a 21 week spell, placed third at Randwick in his last start.
Race Info:
Distance: 1,100 metres, Surface: Turf, Track: Right-handed, Qualification: Horses three years old and older, Weight: Set weights with penalties, Purse: A$200,000 (2018)
