Races

The Everest Power Rankings: Week 5

Posted on | Posted by Paul Joice

1. Classique Legend
Previous Ranking: 4th
Last Start: September 18, The Shorts (1st)

Here is the new top dog. Les Bridge’s grey gelding was electric in winning The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday. Not quite there in the coat, he will take improvement out of the win. With superior acceleration and a versatile racing style, the five-year-old has leapt into the top spot. There are a few big guns ramping up for the October 17 showdown, but this is the one for me. Was an unlucky sixth in this race last year.

2. Gytrash
Previous Ranking: 1st
Last Start: September 5, Concorde Stakes (1st)

Has lost his grip on the number one spot, but only just! Didn’t just knock off Nature Strip in the Concorde Stakes, he made him look second rate. The clock matched what the eyes were telling us – he scorched around Randwick. The only box left to tick was handling the Sydney way of going – no more queries on that front. The scoreboard Vs Nature Strip now reads an emphatic 2 – 0.

3. Nature Strip
Previous Ranking: 2nd
Last Start: September 5, Concorde Stakes (2nd)

Nature Strip is becoming Nature ‘Slip’. Another slide down the rankings this week for two reasons. First of all, Classique Legend looked amazing in taking out the The Shorts (1100m) and has rocketed into the top spot. Secondly, Nature Strip was supposed to have a tick-over trial at Randwick on Monday but unceremoniously dumped James McDonald at the start, zooming around the Kensington circuit without a jockey. Ordered back to the trials by Racing NSW stewards – the preparation is not going smoothly.

4. Rothfire
Previous Ranking: 3rd
Last Start: September 12, Run To The Rose (1st)

Robert Heathcote had his star three-year-old ready to rumble in the Run to the Rose (1200m) and the Queenslander stamped himself as the number one ranked three-year-old sprinter in the country. Gets his opportunity to cement that ranking on Saturday in the Golden Rose. A dominant victory there and Rothfire will be seriously challenging the big names above him.

5. Bivouac
Previous Ranking: 5th
Last Start: September 18, The Shorts (3rd)

Remains in the same position after a first-up third in The Shorts (1100m). Didn’t have everything go right from a tricky outside gate yet loomed strongly into the straight only for condition to give out late. Better than a pass mark and looks right on track to charge into The Everest as Godolphin’s number one seed.

6. Anders
Previous Ranking: 6th
Last Start: August 29, San Domenico Stakes (1st)

Hanging on by a thread to the sixth spot after a minor setback last weekend. It was reported that a spike in temperature will see Anders miss the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night, although he’s still in the nominations. A speed machine, his electric display over 1100-metres at Rosehill in winning the San Domenico Stakes will certainly earn the attention of slot holders. Especially considering he’s now done it on wet and dry ground.

7. Farnan
Previous Ranking: 7th
Last Start: September 12, Run To The Rose (5th)

Farnan slid sharply down the list after a controversial return to racing at Rosehill in the Run to the Rose but it didn’t stop Aquis Farm locking him in for big dance on October 17. A guaranteed slot certainly stops the slide but punters may not be as keen to dive back in after a disappointing return. Will be an interesting one to keep an eye on in coming weeks.

8. North Pacific
Previous Ranking: 8th
Last Start: September 12, Run To The Rose (3rd)

Saturday’s Golden Rose will be crucial as to where this one moves next week. A cracking type by Brazen Beau and fits the criteria that slot holders will be looking for – a three-year-old on the up. Gave his fellow three-year-olds a thumping in the Up & Coming Stakes then chased right to the line when third behind Rothfire in the Run to the Rose. On track.

9. Haut Brion Her
Previous Ranking: 9th
Last Start: September 12, Sheraco Stakes (1st)

Enormous first-up performance to win the Sheraco Stakes. Split similar times to Farnan on speed, absorbed that pressure yet still kicked clear to score first-up for 11 months. Trained by Chris Waller which would give slot holders some added confidence and her racing style appears ideal for this year’s Everest. Could trail stablemate Nature Strip and be poised to strike at the business end. Nominated for the Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m) on Saturday.

10. Trekking
Previous Ranking: 10th
Last Start: June 6, Stradbroke Handicap (6th)

With a few of the new kids on the block failing to take that next step, I’ve gone back to a tried and true sprinter. Ran third in The Everest last year and subsequently knocked over Gytrash in the Group 1 Goodwood. Overlooked due to potentially being the Godolphin second seed, but a big run in Friday night’s Moir Stakes and slot holders may just approach the Blue Army to cut a deal. From Godolphin’s point of view – why not?

11. Santa Ana Lane
Previous Ranking: 11th
Last Start: May 16, The Goodwood (6th)

Set to resume at Flemington on October 3 and the whispers are getting louder. Has crept into the Power Rankings with the potential to wreak havoc on some of the young guns. There were concerns we had seen the last of the Freedman-trained eight-year-old, runner-up in last year’s Everest – but he’s back! Blessed with a devastating turn of foot, he is always a genuine winning hope in any race he contests. A frantically-run Everest might just set up for a horse with a booming finish.

12. Tofane
Previous Ranking: Unranked
Last Start: September 12, Bobbie Lewis (3rd)

I only dropped her from the Power Rankings last week – and she was immediately picked-up. Just goes to show the dynamics of The Everest! A grinding first-up third in the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis didn’t look to be enough when considering what’s going on in Sydney, but Yulong Investments were satisfied that the five-year-old mare has what it takes and locked her in. Did win the All Aged Stakes (1400m) in the autumn and was a bit unlucky when fifth in the TJ Smith behind Nature Strip and Santa Ana Lane – so the form-lines are there.

Dropping Out: Catalyst

Market Market



Recent Articles