Races

The Everest Power Rankings: Week 3

Posted on | Posted by Sam Hyland

1. Redzel
Previous Rank: 2nd
Last Start: September 1, Concorde Stakes (1st)

The reigning champ laid down a marker for his title defence with a scintillating win first up in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick on Saturday, and co-trainer Paul Snowden reckons he’s in better shape than this time last year. Deserves top billing.

2. Trapeze Artist
Previous Rank: 3rd
Last Start: April 21, All Aged Stakes (1st)

He’s been ticking along nicely at the trials. I can’t wait to see him back in action in Saturday’s Group 2 Theo Mark Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill, where I expect him to run a big race fresh. Oozes class.

3. Vega Magic
Previous Rank: 1st
Last Start: September 1, Memsie Stakes (4th)

I was a touch disappointed with his effort in Saturday’s Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield. Perhaps he pulled a bit hard and that little bit of cut in the ground isn’t to his liking.

4. Invincible Star
Previous Rank: 6th
Last Start: September 1, Concorde Stakes (3rd)

She may have been beaten in the Concorde behind Redzel, but she wasn’t disgraced, and I expect her to derive great benefit from that outing. Looks a serious player.

5. Shoals
Previous Rank: 8th
Last Start: May 5, Sangster Stakes (1st)

I’m really starting to warm to this mare, and am excited to see what she delivers when she resumes on Saturday’s Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley. If she knocks off Nature Strip at five furlongs, look out! Her trials have been great.

6. Santa Ana Lane
Previous Rank: 7th
Last Start: September 1, The Heath (5th)

Got a long way back in Saturday’s The Heath (1100m) at Caulfield, before motoring to the line for fifth (running his final 200m in 11.28s), beaten just 1.4L. He’s much better at 1200m, and really builds into his campaign, so expect significant improvement.

7. Pierata
Previous Rank: 4th
Last Start: August 4, Missile Stakes (1st)

Still without a slot in the race, and missing Saturday’s Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick due to injury (lame in near foreleg) won’t help his chances of securing a berth.

8. U S Navy Flag
Previous Rank: 5th
Last Start: July 14, July Cup UK (1st)

It’s great to see an international in the race, and this bloke shouldn’t be underestimated. Master Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien knows what it takes to win a race of this magnitude. His July Cup win at Newmarket in July was enormous.

9. Nature Strip
Previous Rank: 9th
Last Start: July 28, Lightning Stakes (1st)

Saturday may well be D-Day for this gifted speedster from the Darren Weir yard. If he brains them in the McEwen, surely one of the two remaining slot holders sign him up. Weir, who is usually quite reserved when discussing his own, couldn’t be more lavish in his praise of the son of Nicconi.

10. In Her Time
Previous Rank: 11th
Last Start: May 12, Doomben 10,000 (9th)

Reports are that she’ll have an exhibition gallop on Newcastle Cup day (September 14), then a barrier trial five days later before a first-up run in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on September 29. Looking forward to seeing her return.

11. Kementari
Previous Rank: Unranked
Last Start: September 1, Memsie Stakes (2nd)

This guy makes his debut in the rankings after a stunning (and desperately unlucky) run in the Memsie; gee he was good. I’m not convinced he’s sharp enough to beat the best sprinters in the land over 1200m, but there’s no denying his ability.

12. English
Previous Rank: 10th
Last Start: May 26, Kingsford-Smith Cup (4th)

She cruised around in a Rosehill trial (895m) on Monday, finishing second to EF Troop, beaten 3.4L. She’s a good mare, but I doubt she can win it.

Dropping Out: Brave Smash

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