Races

The Everest Power Rankings: Week 5

Posted on | Posted by Chris Nelson

1. GIGA KICK
Last Start: September 9, McEwan Stakes (3rd)
Odds: $4.60

What a headline he’s created following his first up defeat. Plenty of blame was sent in the direction of Craig Williams with the champion hoop putting his hand up to take full responsibility. Would Giga Kick have beaten the super impressive Imperatriz on the day? Probably not however ‘Willo’ won’t get a chance to make amends as James McDonald has been named by connections as his new rider, J. Mac will be under plenty of pressure at his first ride on the reigning Everest champ in the Premiere Stakes at Randwick on September 30.

2. I WISH I WIN
Last Start: September 2, Memsie Stakes (3rd)
Odds: $5

Connections would have been very content with what they saw in the Memsie. 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 original plan was to send him straight to the Everest without another run, at this stage that’s looking the likely scenario with Peter Moody advising on Monday he is looking to send his charge around in an exhibition gallop on either Saturday, Sunday or even Monday at Cranbourne.

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

Finally on Saturday we’ll get to see the reigning Golden Slipper winner kick off his Everest quest in the Group 1 Golden Rose at Rosehill. He’s going to face off against a cracking bunch of 3yo’s however there’s no doubt Chris Waller will have him sharp & ready to go, early markets have seen him installed as favourite. 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 two weeks ago.

4. THINK ABOUT IT
Last Start: June 10, Stradbroke Handicap (1st)
Odds: $6

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. Very impressive sweeping down the outside to win a barrier trial last week I’d suggest his return will be in the all-star Premiere Stakes Premiere Stakes on Saturday week.

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

Couldn’t have been any more impressive at The Valley first up. 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 however a week has now gone by & connections are sticking firm.

6. PRIVATE EYE
Last Start: September 16, The Shorts (1st)
Odds: $11

Last year’s Everest runner up returned to the track at Randwick last Saturday mowing down Overpass in the final stride. Snapped up soon after by slot holding big hitters Max Whitby & Neil Werrett, he now gives Joe Pride two chances in the big race with Think About It also locked in. Trainer Joe Pride is keeping him fresher this time in & he will likely have his next start in the Premiere Stakes which is going to be some sort of a race!

7.Overpass
Last Start: September 16, The Shorts (2nd)
Odds: $15

I was super keen to see him go around first up last Saturday & not surprisingly off the back of his good form earlier in the year plus a couple of impressive trials he was well in the market. He led & fair to say had every chance the way the race was run which did turn into a real sprint home. He’ll improve however so will the winner Private Eye who was able to come from behind & run him down. He stays in the top 10 however I’ve now slotted him in below Private Eye.

8. SUNSINE IN PARIS
Last Start: September 9, Sheraco Stakes (1st)
Odds: $11

Now a confirmed slot holder after her first up win at Rosehill Saturday week back. 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. Trainer Annabel Neasham has elected to send the mare straight into the Everest without another run.

9. IN SECRET
Last Start: September 16, The Shorts (2nd)
Odds: $13

She entered my top 10 last week however after last Saturdays third she’s on the cusp of going back out. There’s a few other topliners going around who may or may not head to the big race such as Amelia’s Jewel however should they change tack this mare will be quickly removed as I thought she had every possible chance on Saturday.

10. BUENOS NOCHES
Last Start: September 16, The Shorts (3rd)
Odds: $14

I’ve had this one on the backburner just waiting to see how he’d measure up when the races started to get a little stronger. Well, he certainly stood up on Saturday clocking better sectionals down the straight than the winner Private Eye. He’s only lightly raced & is definitely putting his hand up for a slot. No doubt he’ll go around in the Premiere as well.

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