Races

The Everest Power Rankings: Week 3

Posted on | Posted by Chris Nelson

1. GIGA KICK
Last Start: May 13, Doomben 10,000 (1st)
Odds: $3.50

No change, he still sits on top as my number one seed as we are yet to see him kick off his Everest quest however that’s all about to change. Nominated to make his return in the McEwan at the Valley on Saturday he’ll take on a few other Everest hopefuls. If anything, I feel he strengthened his advantage over I Wish I Win following that galloper’s 3rd in the Memsie last Saturday.

2. I WISH I WIN
Last Start: September 2, Memsie Stakes (3rd)
Odds: $4.80

Connections would have been very content with what they saw on Saturday with that close up Memsie placing. There was little between he, the winner Mr Brightside & 2nd placed Princess Grace however keep in mind they both held a fitness edge whilst he was first up. The plan was to send him straight into the Everest without another run, some chatter post-race suggests that isn’t set in stone at this stage. Watch this space!

3. SHINZO
Last Start: March 18, Golden Slipper Stakes (1st)
Odds: $13

Golden Slipper winner at only start number four he’s got a ton of upside. At this stage he’s aiming at the Group 1 Golden Rose via a first up appearance in the Run To The Rose early in September. 3yo’s have won 2 of the 6 running’s of the Everest which isn’t surprising given the big weight advantage over the older horses. Loved his recent trial win cruising past Zaaki late.

4. THINK ABOUT IT
Last Start: June 10, Stradbroke Handicap (1st)
Odds: $7

New kid on the block with the outstanding strike rate of 9 wins from his 10 starts. He’s gone from a Benchmark 88 victory to winning consecutive Group 1’s in Brisbane during the winter & all of this within the space of only 5 starts! Without doubt he has to now step up it a cog or two to match it with the best sprinters in the land. He’s got the right trainer to do just that in Joe Pride. No trials since his Stradbroke victory & at this stage I’m unsure as to when & where he will resume.

5. IMPERETRIZ
Last Start: March 24, William Reid Stakes (1st)
Odds: $12

New Zealand mare who is all set to make her return in the McEwen at the Valley on Saturday in what’s going to be a cracking race. She’s had the two trials back home winning the first before being given an easy time running 2nd at the latest. She’s a 4-time Group 1 winner across the ditch & her maiden Australian Group 1 was at the Valley in the William Reid back in March. She holds an outstanding overall record & handles all types of going extremely well.

6. MAZU
Last Start: May 13, Doomben 10,000 (3rd)
Odds: $14

Consistent galloper who hasn’t won since his triumph in the 2022 Group 1 Doomben 10,000 however he’s placed 5 of 8 outings since. He’s had the two lead up trials running 4th at Rosehill last month before a nice closing 3rd at the same track this morning. I’d suggest he’s just about ready to make his return & of course should the spring rains hit, his chances in any race he contests will increase.

7.Overpass
Last Start: May 13, Doomben 10,000 (2nd)
Odds: $18

Originally in at number 10 I’ve bumped him up the order as I just get the impression he’s really turned the corner since winning the Quokka at Ascot earlier in the year. He went from that gutsy victory straight into the Doomben 10,000 where it took Giga Kick a lot longer than expected to get past him down the straight. 2nd in his first trial (August) before winning his heat comfortably this morning at Rosehill with the jock giving him a very easy time.

8. PRIVATE EYE
Last Start: April 29, Victory Stakes (5th)
Odds: $16

Runner up in the big race behind Giga Kick last year he rarely puts in a sub-par effort & when he does there’s generally a valid reason for it. The bonus with him if you’re a futures punter is his ability to handle all types of ground, he’s won multiples times on all surfaces. He’s had the one trial when well down the track behind Alcohol Free at Randwick last month however he was given an easy time.

9. IN SECRET
Last Start: September 2, Concorde Stakes (2nd)
Odds: $12

Cracking return on Saturday at Randwick in a thrilling finish missing out narrowly with Remarque prevailing. I didn’t originally have her in the top 10 however that performance over a trip which is short of her best & the benefit she will take from the run sees her now slot into 9th spot on the rankings. She will head to the 1100m the Shorts in just under a fortnights time & from there hopefully an Everest slot.

10. UNCOMMON JAMES
Last Start: April 15, The Quokka 10,000 (8th)
Odds: $41

Reigning Oakleigh Plate winner the Group 1 Moir under lights at The Valley in late September will be his kick off point. He went around in a trial at Doomben last Tuesday sitting off speed before closing solidly to get past Ekaterina late in very slick time. He & hopefully Rothfire will be flying the flag for Queensland in the big race.

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