The Everest Power Rankings: Week 4

1. GIGA KICK
Last Start: September 9, McEwan Stakes (3^rd)
Odds: $4.80

Well, well, well, beaten first up on Saturday wasn’t in the plans & the market did react accordingly pushing his price out almost a full point. So, what do we take out of his defeat? Craig Williams put his hand up straight after the race claiming full responsibility for taking off from the back way too early, I’d suggest most would agree. For that reason he stays on top of the rankings for this week with all eyes on his next outing in the Premiere Stakes at Randwick on September 30.

2. I WISH I WIN
Last Start: September 2, Memsie Stakes (3^rd)
Odds: $4

Connections would have been very content with what they saw in the Memsie. There was little between he, the winner Mr Brightside & 2^nd 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 (1^st)
Odds: $15

Golden Slipper winner at only start number four he’s got a ton of upside. Originally set to make his return in the Run To The Rose last Saturday that plan has been altered with a first up crack at the Group 1 Golden Rose in a just under a fortnights time over 1400m now likely before a freshen up into the Everest. He beat Zaaki in a trial a month back, only appearance since was a cruisy exhibition gallop with stablemate Militarize at Randwick between races just over a week ago.

4. THINK ABOUT IT
Last Start: June 10, Stradbroke Handicap (1^st)
Odds: $6.50

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 stepped out this morning in a 789m trial sitting back before sweeping down the outside under his own steam to score, he won’t lose any admirers on that!

5. IMPERATRIZ
Last Start: September 9, McEwan Stakes (1^st)
Odds: $6

Couldn’t have been any more impressive at The Valley on Saturday. Sitting back last at the 400m with Giga Kick having taken off early she sat patiently until unleashing her run powering past the entire field to score running away setting a new track record in the process. On that win she should be moving up the rankings however her connections are determined to stay in Melbourne & to date have knocked back all Everest slot offers. I’m not convinced she won’t be there on the big day; everyone has their price…

6. MAZU
Last Start: May 13, Doomben 10,000 (3^rd)
Odds: $15

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 4^th at Rosehill last month before a nice closing 3^rd at the same track last Tuesday morning. Any rain about always increases his winning chances, he’s slated to return this coming Saturday in the 1100m The Shorts.

7.Overpass
Last Start: May 13, Doomben 10,000 (2^nd)
Odds: $21

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. 2^nd in his first trial (August) before comfortably winning last Tuesday at Rosehill. He will resume in the 1100m The Shorts this Saturday.

8. PRIVATE EYE
Last Start: April 29, Victory Stakes (5^th)
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 when given an easy time. He’s down to resume in the 1100m The Shorts this Saturday.

9. IN SECRET
Last Start: September 2, Concorde Stakes (2^nd)
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 9^th spot on the rankings. She will head to the 1100m the Shorts this coming Saturday & from there hopefully an Everest slot.

10. SUNSHINE IN PARIS
Last Start: September 9, Sheraco Stakes (1^st)
Odds: $10

Now a confirmed slot holder after her first up win at Rosehill on Saturday. Many were keen to take her on as her lead-up trial form hadn’t been impressive however she made a mockery of that zooming down the outside from third last to score a comprehensive victory in slick time with gas in the tank. Without doubt she still has a fair way to go to suggest she can take on the big boys however she’s doing nothing wrong & at this stage deserves her spot in the top 10.