Races

Sam Hyland’s Power Rankings: The Everest

Posted on | Posted by Sam Hyland

The second edition of The Everest is set for October 13 at Royal Randwick – this time with prizemoney of $13 million.

With just over 50 days before the big race, Sam Hyland will be joining us weekly to rank each contender.

1. Vega Magic
2017 Everest: 2nd
Last Start: July 28, Bletchingly Stakes (1st)

He appears to have come back better than ever, judging by his super Bletchingly win. Arguably should have won The Everest last year, and deserves top billing.

2. Redzel
2017 Everest: 1st
Last Start: May 12, Doomben 10,000 (4th)

The defending champion was impressive in winning a trial at Randwick on Monday; he looked to do it so easily and quicken nicely at the end. Again looks to be one of the hardest to beat.

3. Trapeze Artist
2017 Everest: –
Last Start: April 21, All Aged Stakes (1st)

He’s a serious racehorse, this guy, and proven at the elite level. He’ll be aimed to peak for this race and has to be one of the horses to beat, based on his awesome win in the T.J Smith Stakes in March.

4. Pierata
2017 Everest: –
Last Start: August 4, Missile Stakes (1st)

Still without a slot in the race, but that seems a formality. This Pierro entire just keeps improving as the bar gets raised, and has the ability to mix it with the best. He let down superbly when winning the Group 2 Missile Stakes first-up, leaving Kementari in his wake.

5. U S Navy Flag
2017 Everest: –
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.

6. Invincible Star
2017 Everest: –
Last Start: November 4, Coolmore Stakes (2nd)

Another that is still without a slot, but based on her run in the Coolmore Stud Stakes last year (second to Merchant Navy, beaten a quarter of a length) she deserves her chance. She’s very quick, will race on speed, and give a great sight. Trialling the house down!

7. Santa Ana Lane
2017 Everest: –
Last Start: June 9, Stradbroke Handicap (1st)

Getting better with age, this bloke. He’s become an A-grade sprinter, with elite-level wins in the Rupert Clarke, Goodwood and Stradbroke since October, and shouldn’t be underestimated.

8. Shoals
2017 Everest: –
Last Start: May 5, Sangster Stakes (1st)

Like her stablemate (Santa Ana Lane), this mare keeps stepping up to the plate. She’s tough, has a great record (10:7-2-0), and a great turn of foot. Her Sangster win in Adelaide in May was breathtaking.

9. Nature Strip
2017 Everest: –
Last Start: July 28, Lightning Stakes (1st)

He’s obviously one of the most exciting 1000/1100m horses in the country, but whether he can be as effective at 1200m at this level remains to be seen. Yet to be signed up, but looks like he’ll be there on October 13.

10. English
2017 Everest: 6th
Last Start: May 26, Kingsford-Smith Cup (4th)

I’m not sure she’s a top-liner, but she’s terribly honest, and from the right stable (Waterhouse/Bott).

11. In Her Time
2017 Everest: –
Last Start: May 12, Doomben 10,000 (9th)

She’s getting better all the time, this mare, and her Galaxy win in March was terrific. She was disappointing in the Doomben 10,000, and I’m keen to see how she’s come back.

12. Brave Smash
2017 Everest: 3rd
Last Start: April 21, All Aged Stakes (Last)

He ran third in this race last year, and he was great in running a close second to Redkirk Warrior up the Flemington straight in the Newmarket, but not convinced he’s sharp enough to beat this hot field.

Market Market



Recent Articles