Races

The Everest Power Rankings: Week 6

Posted on | Posted by Sam Hyland

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

The reigning champ will contest Saturday’s Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick, and if he’s overcome his setback (muscle soreness), he’ll take some catching.

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

We get to see this star sprinter in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday, and I’m keen to see how he strips after his very good fresh run.

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

Last year’s runner-up pleased in a trial at Albury last Thursday, beating talented stablemate Keen Array by four lengths. Won’t run again until The Everest.

4. Chautauqua
Previous Rank: Unranked
Last Start: November 11, Darley Classic (4th)

The Grey Flash is yet to secure a berth in the race; probably because he’s been acting like a lunatic at the trials. He took a step closer to a return to the races when he jumped out with them at Flemington on Friday, and he’ll trial between races at Moonee Valley on Friday night. He’s a megastar when at his best (his three TJ Smith wins are testament to that), and if he gets in, he’ll be charging at them late.

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

We’ll get a good guide on this mare when she lines up in the star-studded Premiere on Saturday. She appears to be on target, and a wet track would really help her cause.

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

She too goes around in the Premiere, and the Bott-Waterhouse duo should have her cherry ripe after two good runs back.

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

He’s another that will run in the ‘mini Everest’ on Saturday. I loved his first-up run and the Premiere will bring him on for his grand final.

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

After his good run (third) in The Shorts, Darren Weir is bringing back to Melbourne to tackle Friday night’s Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley. The Moir will be too short for him, but I want to see him savage the line.

9. U S Navy Flag
Previous Rank: 9th
Last Start: July 14, July Cup UK (1st)

The three-time Group 1 winner arrived in Sydney on Sunday and has Canterbury racecourse all to himself. I’m looking forward to seeing him working under saddle.

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

He will start a warm favourite in the Moir on Friday night, and given it’s 1000m, he’s likely to lead all of the way. I remain convinced he won’t run 1200m in a high-pressure race.

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

She looked good when second in a trial behind stablemate El Dorado Dreaming at Newcastle last Wednesday. Jockey Corey Brown was impressed with her work, saying: “I think she’s better than what she was when I rode her in Sydney last spring. She’s right on song.” She resumes in the Premiere.

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

I was disappointed with her run in The Shorts, but she was found to be in season. I feel she lacks the class to threaten in The Everest.

Dropping Out: Home Of The Brave

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