Harron likely to wait to unveil Everest runner
After a big week of movement, only two slots remain open for the world’s richest race on turf, the $15 million The Everest.
Chris Waller Racing and James Harron hold the final two keys to what has quickly become one of the most anticipated events on the Australian racing calendar, but trying to figure out who they will select is far from straightforward.
Harron is keeping his cards close to his chest, as one would expect, but a comment to ANZ Bloodstock News yesterday indicates that everything remains possible.
“This Saturday and next Saturday will be very important to us in terms of selecting a runner,” Harron told ANZ Bloodstock News. “In terms of a timeline, we are hoping to have a horse selected prior to 10am on Tuesday, October 13!”
That, of course, is the time at which slot holders must nominate their runner as declarations close.
There is nothing that says a horse has to be announced before that time and, if you are among the last slot-holders, perhaps there is some benefit in holding off until the very last moment.
However, here are three key takeaways from that comment:
A big performance today could clinch Harron’s slot
This goes without saying, but today’s races serve as ideal auditions for the remaining slots.
The Premiere Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) is billed as the main Everest lead-up, being over the same course and distance as the feature.
With two confirmed Everest runners in Nature Strip (Nicconi) and Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt) lining up here – and the top two horses in Everest betting at that – it is a good test for the level of competition expected on October 17.
If one of the other six runners wins the Premiere, it would be difficult to overlook that horse for an Everest spot. All eyes will be on those runs in behind as well.
The same goes for the Gilgai Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m), where confirmed Everest starters Tofane (Ocean Park) and Santa Ana Lane (Lope De Vega) will have their final runs before the feature.
A good performance, particularly from a horse up in the weights like Zoutori (Zoustar), could see them enter the Everest fray.
Next weekend’s races could still be trials
While most believed that today’s Premiere Stakes and Gilgai Stakes would be the last opportunity to clinch a berth, there are a number of races next weekend that could prove a better stepping stone to The Everest off the quick back-up.
Confirmed Everest runner Farnan (Not A Single Doubt) is likely to contest the Roman Consul Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m), but there he could face Heritage Stakes (Listed, 1100m) winner Wild Ruler (Snitzel) and Danehill Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) victor Doubtland (Not A Single Doubt), among others. Either one of them could put their hand up for an Everest spot, although the Coolmore Stud Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) looms as a more likely target.
On the same card is the Silver Eagle (1300m) for the four-year-olds, the primary lead-up to the $7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m) on October 31. It will feature the likes of Alligator Blood (All Too Hard) and Dawn Passage (Dawn Approach), among others.
The likelihood that connections would disrupt a preparation aimed at the Golden Eagle by taking a detour up Everest is slim. However, it is not out of the realms of possibility.
In Melbourne, the Schillaci Stakes (Gr 2, 1100m) is the primary sprint next Saturday.
Last year, the Schillaci winner – in the end, it was eventual Everest placegetter Trekking (Street Cry) – automatically received a slot thanks to a Melbourne Racing Club one-off deal. While it looked unlikely that the Schillaci would throw up a runner this year due to Covid-19 protocols, restrictions have been relaxed and it is perhaps more likely than it was before.
Among those set to contest the Schillaci Stakes are Splintex (Snitzel), Bella Vella (Commands), Diamond Effort (Mossman), Alfa Oro (Bachelor Duke) and Bold Star (Needs Further).
Harron remains an Everest pioneer
Few have embraced the Everest concept quite like James Harron – and few have mastered the intricacies of such a different race.
Harron waited until a month out in 2017 before he secured Redzel (Snitzel) for the inaugural Everest, becoming the first slot-holder to taste success in the world’s richest turf race.
He then secured Vega Magic (Lope De Vega) earlier in 2018, making his selection in late July, although he was far later than most other slot holders in selecting his runner.
Last year, Harron waited until 10 days out before announcing Nature Strip (Nicconi) would run in his slot and he has again decided to wait to announce his runner right at the death.
The guessing game creates plenty of interest and, despite pressure to secure a horse earlier, Harron has held his nerve.
In 2021, he could be the first slot-holder to select his runner or he could wait until declarations. The fact that he is unpredictable is what makes the slot concept so intriguing.