Races

The Everest Power Rankings: Week 5

Posted on | Posted by Sam Hyland

1. Redzel
Previous Rank: 1st
Last Start: September 1, Concorde Stakes (1st)

It’s not ideal that he missed a run on Saturday in Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) due to muscle soreness (he possibly became cast in his box), but co-trainer Paul Snowden reckons he will be right ridden under saddle this week. He’s still the one I want to be on.

2. Trapeze Artist
Previous Rank: 2nd
Last Start: September 8, Theo Marks Stakes (3rd)

No reason to drop off after his recent first-up third in the Group 2 Theo Mark Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill, where he ran the second fastest last 600m of the day. We see him next in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on September 29.

3. Vega Magic
Previous Rank: 3rd
Last Start: September 1, Memsie Stakes (4th)

I still like this bloke back in trip, and with freshness on his side he can make his presence felt. I’m looking forward to seeing him trial at Albury on Thursday.

4. Shoals
Previous Rank: 5th
Last Start: September 8, McEwen Stakes (3rd)

This gun mare impressed in a trial at Cranbourne on Monday, and will now join stablemate Santa Ana Lane in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on September 29. She appears to be right on track.

5. Invincible Star
Previous Rank: 4th
Last Start: September 15, The Shorts (2nd)

She hopped out of the barriers in The Shorts and travelled a pair further back than might have been expected. I like the way she pinned the ears back and really kept coming in the run to the line. She is going well, but I just worry about the form out of The Shorts.

6. Santa Ana Lane
Previous Rank: 6th
Last Start: September 1, The Heath (5th)

His first-up run was good, given he didn’t have a great run in the race. He will be a lot better for that run. Wants some give in the track.

7. Brave Smash
Previous Rank: 12th
Last Start: September 12, The Shorts (3rd)

He has put two good runs together this prep and will continue to improve. On track to run well in this race once again.

8. Home Of The Brave
Previous Rank: Unranked
Last Start: September 8, Theo Marks Stakes (1st)

He was very good on wet ground when winning the Theo Marks. He is a quick horse, and there looks to be a lot of pressure in this race, so that may bring him undone. Will he get the final slot? I’d take him.

9. U S Navy Flag
Previous Rank: 8th
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.

10. Nature Strip
Previous Rank: 9th
Last Start: September 8, McEwen Stakes (1st)

I still can’t see him running a strong 1200m, given they will run along and he will be up there rolling. It will be interesting to see who rides, with suggestions Joao Moreira may come across from Japan.

11. In Her Time
Previous Rank: 10th
Last Start: May 12, Doomben 10,000 (9th)

We still haven’t seen her at the races, and now her trainer (Ben Smith) has been suspended (the mare is now in the hands of Kris Lees). It’s hardly the ideal prep for such a big race. Slated to trial at Newcastle on Wednesday.

12. English
Previous Rank: 11th
Last Start: May 15, The Shorts (6th)

I thought she was a bit disappointing in The Shorts. Jockey Tim Clark said he felt she would be better for the run, so let’s see what she does next.

Dropping Out: Graff

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