The Everest was an unparalleled success for Sydney racing, and the race itself must be upgraded to Group 1 status immediately.
What started as a novelty in many eyes quickly became the high point of the spring carnival to date, something that will only be surpassed by Winx’s third Cox Plate and, of course, the Melbourne Cup.
It captured the imagination of the Sydney public, which sporting events seldom do. Television, newspapers, radio, online; non-racing people were talking about it. Attendance was outstanding. Turnover was record-breaking. The commitment from all key stakeholders to spare no expense in promoting the event is to be applauded.
The first edition of The Everest was the perfect race with the perfect field at the perfect time.
If it had been launched in the time of Black Caviar, then it would have been just another race to be won by the great mare, and all other slot holders would be racing for minor, yet still lucrative, prizemoney.
The fact it was such an open betting race only added to the hype. Racing is a punter’s game after all. Every runner had a story, and almost all runners had a legitimate chance of some kind.
With Chautauqua on the wane as Australia’s best sprinter, the challengers were lining up, including half a dozen last start winners and a number of rising stars. Having a few three-year-olds engaged was also critical, and is a must going forward.
(Photo: AAP)
As it turned out, the two horses most likely to take the mantle of best sprinter in the country ran the quinella. Once Vega Magic couldn’t get into his preferred position from the wide barrier, Redzel was the one to beat. He was too tough, too strong, and too fast.
Vega Magic could well have won if he had drawn a marble and been able to take up his customary forward position. Brave Smash had the Darren Weir fairy dust sprinkled over him to turn his form around and give the ATC a handy return on their slot outlay.
Chautauqua ran a mighty fourth, and we know he has won three TJ Smiths over the Randwick 1200m. It was worth nothing that the three horses that beat him home had never run in any of those TJs. It took fresh blood to take “the Grey Flash” down over his pet course and distance.
The first seven across the line were all very good and got at least a pass mark, and only one horse, Fell Swoop, ran poorly, and he pulled up with excuses. The form out of the racing going forward is going to be exceptional.
The field assembled won’t be surpassed for quality in the sprinting races this season, and this will likely be the case in future years. Not only should the Everest be a Group 1 from 2018, this year’s edition should also be awarded Group 1 status after the fact. Redzel deserves to have an extra Group 1 on his CV.
Kangajets
Guest
Well said
Ya Joking
Guest
I cant see how it could possibly be elevated to any Group Level let alone a Group 1 when it is a restricted event. In Her Time only 40 minutes before the Everest ran a faster overall time as well as a faster last 600m. The same horse also beat most of the field 2 weeks before the race and surely there must be 11 slot owners asking themselves why they didn't select In Her Time as their Rep in the race
Larry1950
Guest
Can't agree yet Cameron, still a novelty race run once so we're yet to see whether the interest can be sustained. Breeders seem to control the decisions on grading or granting group status and that appears to be a conflict of interest. Seem to recall that the Magic Millions was denied Group status because of the eligibility restrictions, what's more restrictive than having to put up $600k for a starting spot and being able to pick and choose who runs for you. That's the only justification for Tulip getting a start. Just because Sydney actually drew a crowd without either Black Caviar or Winx appearing doesn't make it a Melbourne Cup equivalent, Sydney sports fans are fickle. $MM also races in front of a full house with most winners going on to greater heights, unlike the Golden Slipper most seasons, never turned out to be the "million dollar maiden race" many southern critics originally labeled it to be.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Coolmore are unders every race, just like Lloyds horses. New Tipperary and Spieth haven't won in a year, Good Project maybe 2 years. Why complaints they are favs, just makes others a better price
Cameron Rose
Expert
He was very good again, old Tom. I would like to know if the plan was always to push forward, or did Boss make a call after he jumped so brilliantly? He hasn't been trained to go forward all prep. Thought he was extremely brave to only get beaten 2.5 after all that early work, and given the swoopers came from everywhere. Mask of Time was handy and beat him home, but didn't spend a penny from the squishbox. He will win again one day, and he'll keep getting mine until he does!!!
Cameron Rose
Expert
The Memsie was uprgraded before the AFL pre-finals bye, but you do make a good point. I'd like to call Redzel a dual Group 1 winner, which he basically is.
Cameron Rose
Expert
Godolphin's Melbourne woes are well documented, but it's certainly stark seeing them all put down like that. Kementari still ran very well, and Alizee and Jorda were good, but you're right. Based on market expectation, they just aren't delivering.
andrew
Guest
razzar, i looked them up RISA. took me about 2 mins. prob about 2 mins more research that matt would ever do.
andrew
Guest
if went to caul thinking it would be a giggle and the syd horses would dominate you would have had a very poor day on the punt. in fairnless a lot of this is attributed to the continued poor showing of coolmore even under a new trainer. on sat, it was encryption, jorda, alizee, hartnell, kemantari, sanctioned. but even the week prior at flem, sangier, rainer, esperance, animalia and tally, for coolmoare who all went under, most of these starting well in the market. add in icon of dubai, spieth, new tipparey and good project and you have another host of beaten faves.
Razzar
Guest
Did Matt Stewart give you those statistics Andrew?
no one in particular
Roar Guru
It'll run a blinder in the mile race on Derby Day, and then it will be$6 for the Mackinnon on the final day
Haradasun
Guest
What a great sight to once again see 30k+ crowd at Randwick. ATC has done plenty wrong over the years but well done organising such a good day. I heard they might look at having it on a Friday night in future, but I hope it stays the same. Next time for Tom Melbourne cam?
Nathan Absalom
Roar Guru
Yes, but does it really matter? The point of such an event is to attract interest from people who don't know what a Group One race means. Won't make a shred of difference to the event or how the winner is rated, in my view. I disagree with you on the Memsie. If the AFL are going to have a bye before the finals, racing absolutely must have a big race on that weekend. I concede you could have another big race that fits better with the structure of the carnival on that day, but if the AFL doesn't want that weekend racing needs to take it.
Cameron Rose
Expert
Yep, I was also in the same camp from a Memsie perspective. A pure kick-off race, and G1 status simply isn't required.
Cameron Rose
Expert
Staggering.
peeeko
Guest
plenty of sydney horses dominate in melboune, and you guys let us on at juicy odds
peeeko
Guest
agree strongly,it started with the memsie and the moir but the surround is crazy
peeeko
Guest
i saw that, they have to be kidding
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Point being?
andrew
Guest
19 syd trained runners at caul on sat. 12 starting at single figure odds. 1 winner. 4 went round as favourite and all 4 got beat. 3 started 2nd fave and got beat too. sat prior at flem. 15 rununers. 1 winner (winx). 4 went round fave and all 4 got beat . not agitating an argument. just stating a fact.