Shinzo and Espiona confirmed for The Everest
Two Everest dominos fell into place yesterday with Shinzo (Snitzel) confirming his place in the $20 million race with his stablemate Espiona (Extreme Choice) also securing a slot, leaving just Yulong to make a call nine days out from a shot at $20 million.
Shinzo, Coolmore’s Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m) winner, got his spring three-year-old campaign back on track with a comfortable third in a star-studded barrier trial at Rosehill, finishing third behind Everest rivals Overpass (Vancouver) and Mazu (Maurice), while Star Thoroughbreds’ Denise Martin linked-up with her trainer Chris Waller for Espiona to take her place on October 14.
Rebounding after a deflating unplaced first-up run in the Golden Rose Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) when found to have a bruised heel, Coolmore’s Shinzo showed no ill effects yesterday when beaten by Everest rivals Overpass (Vancouver) and Mazu (Maurice), the latter having a sound out after being a late scratching from last Saturday’s Premiere Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m).
John Kennedy, Coolmore’s racing and bloodstock manager, was on hand for Shinzo’s crucial public trial to determine the immediate future of the operation’s valuable stallion prospect and he was pleased with what he saw.
“Most importantly, the feedback was very good. Kerrin [McEvoy, jockey] got off the horse and said that he felt very comfortable. He didn’t come off the bridle for the trial, but he gave him a lovely feel,” Kennedy said yesterday.
“He jumped and sat on speed and brought him into the trial very nicely and he finished off at a good tempo and said he’d be very happy going forward into an Everest and Chris Waller felt exactly the same from a visual point of view.
“Most definitely he’ll be taking our slot for The Everest and we’re very positive on him going forward.”
Three-time Everest-winning jockey McEvoy, who partnered Shinzo yesterday, will retain the ride on the colt with Coolmore’s usual go-to rider James McDonald booked on Hawaii Five Oh (I Am Invincible).
Hugh Bowman will return from Hong Kong to ride last-start Golden Pendant (Gr 2, 1400m) winner Espiona as Nash Rawiller is committed to rival Private Eye (Al Maher), Joe Pride’s six-year-old sprinter who was runner-up in 2023.
Espiona has not raced below 1400 metres third-up but syndicator Martin holds no concerns about the drop back to 1200 metres in a high-pressure Everest for the five-year-old mare.
“She’s very dynamic whenever there’s speed on in a race and I think a race like The Everest requires a horse that’s strong late, so I don’t think the distance is any concern to her,” Martin said.
Yulong’s $10 million mare Alcohol Free (No Nay Never), who ran fourth first-up from a spell in the Premiere Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) on Saturday, could be the horse to take Zhang Yuesheng’s slot, but the Victoria-based is yet to make an official call.
Everest field 2023
Slotholder Horse
James Harron Bloodstock Cylinder (Exceed And Excel)
The Star and Arrowfield Mazu (Maurice)
Newgate and GPI Racing Think About It (So You Think)
NZ Trackside I Wish I Win (Savabeel)
Chris Waller Racing Espiona (Extreme Choice)
Coolmore Shinzo (Snitzel)
Godolphin In Secret (I Am Invincible)
Yulong _
Aquis Farm Hawaii Five Oh (I Am Invincible)
Max Whitby/Neil Werrett Private Eye (Al Maher)
ATC/RAM Racing Overpass (Vancouver)
TAB Buenos Noches (Supido)