The Everest

Date 17th October 2020 Distance 1200m Track  Royal Randwick Prize money $15,000,000 Class WFA 2019 winner Yes Yes Yes ($9.00) Contested over 1200m at Royal Randwick, The Everest has quickly become one of the flagship events on the Australian racing calendar with the $15 million purse making it the world's richest race on turf. The event attracts the best sprinting talent from around the globe and the unique slot holder concept adds to the drama in the lead up to the event.  Each slot holder has invested $600,000 for their chance to pick a runner in this year's Everest, with the confirmed horses outlined below.    Slot Holder Runner Aquis  Farnan Bon Ho Classique Legend TAB  Nature Strip The Star Behemoth Yulong Investments Tofane Inglis  Gytrash Godolphin Bivouac Max Whitby and Neil Werret TBC James Harron TBC MiEverest TBC Coolmore TBC Chris Waller Racing TBC   With just over three weeks until the highly anticipated clash, we talk to David Gately and Michael Gannon to get their early predictions for the race.    The Everest: Horses to follow   Gator says... NATURE STRIP We always knew he was a superstar but equally, we also knew he needed to learn to harness that energy and talent. There is little doubt this has been achieved since joining the Waller stable. His TJ Smith Stakes and VRC Classic wins at 1200m were both outstanding, both visually and on the clock. He showed he was vulnerable first-up, but I expect him to bounce back. He's the world’s best sprinter!   FARNAN If you believe that Nature Strip has the older sprinters covered, then maybe it is up to a three-year-old to pose the greatest threat. Yes Yes Yes won it last year after breaking the track record and running past Nature Strip in the process.  First-up in the Run to the Rose, he scorched out to lead recording a 34.21 first 600m which was definitely fast, but not as crazy as it looked.  The greater problem for the horse was his inability to relax, which Hugh Bowman confirmed post-race.  If Waterhouse and Bott can get him to settle, he will give it a shake.    Gannon says... CLASSIQUE LEGEND He was a preparation short last year when running an unlucky 2.5-lengths sixth behind Yes Yes Yes.  The Les Bridge trained galloper came back in great order this time in, winning the Group 2 The Shorts in fine style. He's matured significantly and looks to have this race at his mercy.   2020 The Everest All-In market (Top 20) RUNNER WIN $ Nature Strip 3.50 Classique Legend 5.00 Gytrash 6.00 Bivouac 11.00 Behemoth 13.00 Anders 15.00 Farnan 15.00 Trekking 15.00 North Pacific  17.00 Tofane 17.00 Eduardo 21.00 Alligator Blood 26.00 Dirty Work 26.00 Doubtland 26.00 Santa Ana Lane 26.00 Haut Brion Her 34.00 Libertini 34.00 Standout 34.00 Deprive 51.00 Fasika 51.00 Fituese 51.00 Flit 51.00

Distance 1,200m Track  Royal Randwick Prizemoney $14,000,000 2018 winner Redzel ($7.50) Can Redzel make it three in-a-row? Will Santa Ana Lane re-produce his TJ Smith run and blow them away? Can Chris Waller produce a miracle and get Nature Strip to run a strong 1200m? These are some of the questions that have captured the imagination of the entire racing industry.  This year's Everest is arguably the most anticipated race in recent times, with a field rated significantly stronger than past editions of the race. After launching onto the Spring racing calendar back in 2017, there is now far more at stake than bragging rights, with the Everest 2019 prize pool topping $14 million. The conundrum facing punters is whether there are runners brave enough to go hard in an attempt to break the hearts of their rivals. If not, we will we see another conservative tempo like previous years.  Race Tempo With such significant prizemoney on offer for the first four place getters, connections of notable leaders Nature Strip, Redzel and Ten Sovereigns are likely to instruct their riders to avoid setting a break-neck speed. If that trio opt to race at a moderate tempo, the highest rated runners Santa Ana Lane and Pierata would face a near impossible task to bridge the gap. Michael has generated 33% Profit on Turnover from 97 lifetime tips recorded at Royal Randwick. Click here to get free tip alerts so that you never miss out on Michael's selections again!  Randwick Track Traits Randwick is currently rated a Good 4, with the rail in the true position the entire circuit.  Expect there to be significant irrigation to be applied to the track with the warm weather forecast for the remainder of the week. This could see the rail being the inferior part of the track.  With WNW winds of up to 30km/h predicted for Saturday afternoon, runners will jump straight into a gale from the 1200m start until the home turn. This will likely hinder the leader, outside leader and any runner who is caught three-wide the trip. With the factors of tempo, track condition and weather at play, expect those who can travel on-pace or mid-field with cover to hold the key.     Racing Market Movers Since drawing well in barrier three, the Chris Waller trained Arcadia Queen has been backed off the map, crunched from $6 into $4.20. Pierata has been a notable drifter since drawing barrier one, blowing out from $4.80 to $6.  Of the roughies, Nature Strip has been specked from $26 into $21, after drawing perfectly in barrier 12      Key Runners  #1 Santa Ana Lane $4.60 There is no doubting he's the best sprinter in Australia and if he gets the race run to suit, he'll win.  The huge concern is the tempo and the barrier draw. If they go fast, he can sit one-length last and peel wide to fly over the top. If they slow it down, Santa fans will be in a world of hurt.  His first-up run was the perfect lead-up and his stats point to him peaking second-up. With even luck, he's the one they have to beat!   #2 Pierata $4.80 > $6.00 Has been on the drift since drawing barrier one and rightfully so. Luckily for connections, Tommy Berry has proven ability to be patient on his rides and that'll be the key to his chances here.  His third-up record is fair, with one win from four attempts. However, loves the track and distance with three wins from four.  He'll need some luck from the rail, but if Berry can sneak some runs while everyone else is panicking then he'll fight out the finish. Under the odds!    #3 Redzel $11.00 The two time winner of The Everest has been trained to the minute.  The stable indicated that he was going to be flat in his second-up run last start, and that he would bounce back to his best third-up.  Team Snowden have used this pattern of third-up into the Everest for his last two victories and the word on the street is that he's going better than ever.  The booking of Kerrin McEvoy is the key here. McEvoy is experienced enough to run his own race and won't be caught out doing the donkey work if Nature Strip happens to take off.  I expect McEvoy to find the rail and trail Nature Strip, whilst receiving cover from Ten Sovereigns. From there, McEvoy can just keep the old boy rolling from the 600m.  He'll look the winner for a long way and if he brings his A-game, he's a genuine contender. $11 is over the odds!   #4 Nature Strip $26.00 > $21.00 Has drawn perfectly in barrier 12 and with the best front running rider in the business Tim Clark, he'll be well rated in the lead.  He doesn't run a strong 1200m, so Clark will do his best to keep the son of Nicconi running within himself.  If he can do that, then he'll be in this race for a long way. I have him sneaking into fourth.      #5 Trekking $26.00 The winner of the Group One Stradbroke Handicap over 1400m has returned in fine order this prep.  His nice run in the Moir Stakes and last start win the Schillachi suggests he's a chance over the 1200m.  He's had two wins from two starts over the track and distance and has drawn perfectly in barrier five.  He doesn't have the class of some of these runners, but ticks plenty of boxes and can finish in the first half of the field.     #6 Classique Legend $13.00 > $15.00 The boom horse of the Autumn, who has failed to produce anything of note so far this prep. His last start was only a pass mark and he'd need to improve out of sight from that run to figure in the finish here.  His three-year-old form looks soft and I suspect he'll be well exposed on Saturday. No thanks!    #7 Ten Sovereigns $26.00 The betting tells the story here. He's $26 and looks likely to drift, coming off his last start 7.5 length sixth.  He was a dominant winner of the July Cup, with that form being franked by Advertise who subsequently won a Group One. Connections are over the moon with the dry track, but I suspect that he'd have to produce a career best to run a top four here.    #8 Alizee $13.00> $16.00 There is no doubt Godolphin and James Cummings have ticked all the boxes in preparation for this run.  Her first-up win was good, before she was given little chance from the wide barrier in the Group One Memsie Stakes.  Her recent trial suggests she's flying and it wouldn't surprise to see her produce a huge run.  She has a nice turn of foot and if the pace is on, she'll get first crack at them down the outside. Over the odds!   #9 Sunlight $15.00 This multiple Group One winning mare had an easy time of it up front in the Gilgai and while it was a nice win, she was entitled to do so.  She looks a length or two behind the class gallopers in this race and while she gets a dream run, I doubt she's dynamic enough to win. One for the wider exotics.    #10 In Her Time $26.00 Kris Lees has given her three trials in preparation for her first-up run.  A winner of five from eight first-up, there is no doubt she'll be ready to produce her best.  She's drawn perfectly in barrier four and has the early speed to sit two pairs back with cover to enjoy a soft run in transit.  This mare by Time Thief is a genuine dry tracker, has won three from six at the track and distance and has regularly mixed it with the top-rated Santa Ana Lane.  She finished 0.3 lengths behind him in the Group Two Premier first-up last Spring, before finishing second by the same margin in the Group Two VRC Classic at Flemington. Both of those runs were over the 1200m.  She'll get first crack at the on-pace runners and will be 3-4 lengths in front of Santa Ana Lane on turning for home. Looks a great each-way bet!   #11 Arcadia Queen $6.00 > $4.20 Impressed in the Theo Marks but only beat Trope, who would be $201 in this.  Her only win at 1200m came in maiden grade and this is her first go at competing against the top-line sprinters, which is a huge question mark.  While she took a more forward position in her last start run, she risks being out of her comfort zone early if she tries the same tactic against this field.  I have her mapped to sit on the rails in the run, third last over the trip. If the tempo is on, I can't see how she out-sprints Pierata or Santa Ana Lane.  There is no doubt she'll improve second-up, but it'll have to be a significant jump to run top three. Pass!   #12 Yes Yes Yes $10.00 His run in the Golden Rose was strong, where he peaked with 100m to go. This suggests that the 1200m is more his go.  It's a big ask for a three-year-old to mix it with the best of the best and while he carries 53kg and gets the blinkers on for the first-time, a win would shock.  Unfortunately, he looks set to be one of only two runners who'll get caught wide in the run. If that plays out, he'll finish in the back half of the field.     Best Racing Tips 1st  In Her Time 2nd  Redzel 3rd  Santa Ana Lane 4th  Nature Strip If you're betting in Sydney on Everest Day then make sure you check-out our Horse Racing Tips market where pro punters and experts in the racing media have their tips available.

The drums are beating to declare The Everest our nation's biggest race and they could well be right, following the high profile that the race has achieved in only its third year. It is great to see the feature race supported by a quality card, with the Sydney Stakes (Everest reserves) sure to attract plenty of betting turnover, as will the stayers event where many of The Metropolitan runners will back-up again.  I am very keen on one in the Craven Plate, who was backed as if unbeatable last start before missing. Expect punters to come for him again late.    Race 5 The Kosciuszko (3YO & UP, SW + P) 1200m Check out our preview of The Kosciuszko here, which includes market moves, track analysis, runners comments and race tips.   Race 6 Sydney Stakes (Group 3 WFA) 1200m There is no going away from Brutal (2) here, who should tuck in behind a good speed and be darting through as they top the Randwick rise. He would not be out of place in The Everest and should account for these. Champagne Cuddles (7) has raced well at both starts back this prep and has been well supported in betting at each. She has a huge SP profile where the money often comes for her late, and you can expect her to be the one charging home.  Brave Song (3) maps well from an inside draw and if they went warp speed, he will be go very close.    Throw in Fiesta (8), who is always honest and goes very well first up (4:3-0-1).    Best Racing Tips 1st  Brutal 2nd  Champagne Cuddles 3rd  Brave Song 4th  Fiesta    Race 7 The Everest (WFA) 1200m Read everything you need to know about The Everest here, including analysis of the track, race tempo, all the key runners as well as our top selections for the $14 million feature race.    Race 8 Craven Plate (Group 3 WFA) 2000m Stampede (10) and Samadoubt (6) should run them along up front at a moderate or better tempo. This will allow Life Less Ordinary (5) to run home hard late and following his sound last start effort here when heavily backed, I want to be with him.  Samadoubt (6) has had an excellent prep so far and there's no reason why he can't continue that here, provided they don't overdo it up front. Will be kicking for a long way. Danzdanzdance (4) is dripping in class and now has a new trainer, who will be highly motivated to impress. Include.   Expect Happy Clapper to attract plenty of mug money investment due to his high profile. Despite the price likely to be well unders, he'll be grinding home late.  Best Racing Tips 1st  Life Less Ordinary 2nd  Samadoubt 3rd  Danzdanzdance 4th  Happy Clapper   Race 9  ATC St Ledger Stakes (SW+P) 2600m Happy to follow the Metropolitan form here, where a number of the leading chances ran well.  Come Play With Me (13) was dynamic late when he darted through the middle to win that race. Provided he has recovered well, he should be going very close here. I expect Gallic Chieftain (8) to turn the tables in this following his second in the Metrop, given the slightly softer draw. The speed map also suggests he'll be closer in the run. Hush Writer (12) also comes via the Metrop and is the clear leader. If they let him get away with cheap sectionals throughout, he can pull their pants down.  Vallac (2) is the blowout chance and has some hope, following the good win in listed level over 2400m at Mornington.  Best Racing Tips 1st  Gallic Chieftain 2nd  Come Play With Me 3rd  Hush Writer 4th  Vallac   Race 10 The Spring Mile (Hcp) 1600m Speed looks only moderate here with Penske (4) to take control up front and possibly slow them through the mid-stages. Junipal (9) comes via the Group 1 Epsom Handicap and should relish the class drop in this. Look for her to find a midfield position with cover and be close enough to the leaders when they sprint. Goldolpin runner Ranier (8) has a touch of quality and could bounce back to winning form if they decide to race closer.   There looks to be a sprinkling of money around early to suggest that My Nordic Hero (11) could run well at massive odds. Each-way play.  Best Racing Tips 1st  Junipal 2nd  Penske 3rd  My Nordic Hero 4th  Ranier

Distance 1,200m Track  Royal Randwick Prizemoney $14,000,000 2018 winner Redzel ($7.50)   The Everest, the world's richest race on turf is Sydney's premier weight-for-age sprint race.  Redzel, the winner of the inaugural Everest, claimed back-to-back titles in 2018 after dominating a quality field of sprinters. A third Everest victory would take his career earnings beyond $21 million and only $5 million behind wonder mare Winx.  The 2019 edition of the Everest is arguably the most competitive yet. The majority of slot holders have had their horses locked in early, with many trainers mapping out their plan to peak well in advance.  The early markets prior to the barrier draw held on Tuesday night at Sydney's Opera House, have the Victorian Santa Ana Lane listed as the favourite. The winner of the Group One TJ Smith Stakes over this track and distance impressed at his first-up run this campaign and looks ready to peak on second-up.  Sitting on the second-line of betting is the Gregory Hickman trained Pierata. The son of Pierro defeated Everest rivals Classique Legend and Redzel in good fashion last start in The Shorts.   The unknown quantity of the field is undoubtedly the Aiden O'Brien trained Ten Sovereigns. He'll make his debut on Australian soil as Coolmore's slot representative, having won four of his seven career starts including the Group 1 July Stakes over 1207m at Newmarket.    Track Condition: Good 4 Rail Position: True Position Weather Forecast: Fine weather with temperatures in the mid 20's are predicted in the lead-up to Saturday, with no rain in sight.  Predicted Bias: A dry track is predicted which will no doubt set up for some quick times. If they keep the irrigation to a minimum this week leaders could be set to get speed map favours on a fast track.    Final Field for the 2019 The Everest are below:  Horse Name Jockey Odds SANTA ANA LANE Mark Zahra $ 4.60 PIERATA Tommy Berry $ 5.00 ARCADIA QUEEN James McDonald $ 6.00 REDZEL Kerrin McEvoy $ 9.00 ALIZEE Hugh Bowman $ 11.00 YES YES YES Glen Boss $ 11.00 CLASSIQUE LEGEND Nash Rawiller $ 13.00 SUNLIGHT Luke Currie $ 13.00 NATURE STRIP Tim Clark $ 17.00 TEN SOVEREIGNS Ryan Moore $ 17.00 TREKKING Josh Parr $ 21.00 IN HER TIME Brenton Avdulla $ 26.00

Distance 1200m Grade Group 2 Track Rating Good 4  Prizemoney $300,000 Class 3yo and Up, SW + P 2018 winner I Am Excited ($4.60) This year's edition of the Gilgai Stakes has attracted two prominent Everest contenders in Santa Ana Lane and Sunlight. Both runners will use this race as their final hit-out before tackling the Grand Final in Sydney and I expect them to have this field covered. I lean slightly in Santa's favour due to his run-on profile, in what looks to be a fast run race with plenty of early tempo.     Flemington Track Traits For the latest insight on how the Flemington track is likely to play, read our preview of the Group One Turnbull Stakes here.     Racing Market Movers Sunlight has been backed in early betting and is now $2.80 after opening at $3.00. She now shares equal favoritism with Santa Ana Lane. All other runners remain steady.    Key Runners #1 Santa Ana Lane $2.80 Finally arrives at the races, after dodging the wet tracks in Sydney. The Everest is the main target, however I suspect that the stable are here to win this and show that the campaign is on track. Look for him to get well back, before storming home to collar them late. Goes on top.     #4  Zoutori $6.00 Won at this track and distance last start against much weaker opposition. Expect him to find a number of these far too sharp. Outclassed.     #5 Tyzone $14 Finished off last prep strongly with an excellent second in the Stradbroke Handicap, where he was only beaten 1.75 lengths behind the smart Trekking. First go down the Flemington straight is the query, however he does have a nice hold up and run-on profile which will suit.  He flies under the radar and should be taken very seriously in this. One of the main hopes.        #6 Vital Silver $17   Perth visitor who is seeking east coast riches and has shown enough in the west to warrant the trip. I just feel that he strikes a very strong race here and will be best suited in easier grade. No.    #7 Sunlight $3.00 > $2.80 Gun sprinting mare who won the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap over this course and distance last prep. She is very well placed in this race and is still on track for her Everest tilt, following the close up 3 of 15 in the Moir Stakes.  Third-up (3:3-0-0) is perfect and screams Yes!    #9 I Am Excited $16 Returns to defend her 2018 title, when she was very dynamic and charged home to win by a whisker.  She showed enough first-up in the Sheraco to suggest that she has come back well and the second-up stats are good (5:2-0-1). Will get back and be charging through late. Yes.    Of The Others #12 Bella Martini put in an even effort first-up in the Hay Now at Caulfield, where she had the support in betting to suggest that she's showing something. Watch betting and follow if the pro money comes late.      Best Racing Tips 1st  Santa Ana Lane 2nd  Sunlight  3rd  Tyzone 4th  I Am Excited  If you are punting in Sydney this Saturday make sure you check-out the Randwick tips market where every tipster is ranked in order of their validated profit taken from every tip posted.