2020 The Everest Preview, Odds, & Tips

It’s a wide-open fourth edition of The Everest (1200m), with cases to be made for most of the field thanks to Nature Strip’s recent antics.

Let’s take a look at each and every runner lining up in the $15 million sprint.

1 – Nature Strip – $4.80 ?

The race hinges on this guy. At his best he’s probably the number one horse in the country, and just about unbeatable. However, he’s been nowhere near that this preparation and there’s some nuisance factor with Dollar For Dollar and Eduardo in the race who may challenge him for the lead.

He’ll need to lift considerably to win this, but obviously has the ability on his day. If you’re a fan then the price is a luxury, but I’m against him this time around.

2 – Trekking – $13

Has been given early support, backed in from $17 and certainly has claims. Has had a much more structured build up this time around rather than having to win his way in, and performed well in this race last year to place. The inside draw may not help him, and may have significant traffic to work through from back in the field.

3 – Classique Legend – $5 ???

It’s hard to knock Classique Legend, another runner who has major claims in a wide open race. Was eye-catching first up when winning The Shorts, then just got outgunned by Libertini in The Concorde, who had an easier run in transit. Can definitely win this, and must go in everything.

Look at him go! 😮

Classique Legend overcomes traffic problems to score in the Shorts. pic.twitter.com/Mqvi2tCqJF

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 19, 2020

4 – Santa Ana Lane – $27 ?

Has the old boy still got it? Has a great second up record and will be hitting this at peak fitness, but he’s not the hyped up runner he has been in the past. It’s a big price for such a quality sprinter and you may get better on the day, so it’s easy enough to save on him.

5 – Behemoth – $9.50 ???

Has been faultless this preparation and has blossomed into a genuine Group 1 star with his back-to-back wins in the Memsie Stakes, and the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes. Maps to get a nice run stalking the leaders, and is at a good price in the market. Massive chance.

BIG BEHEMOTH!

What a win in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes. 🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/zxuzG0bykJ

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 19, 2020

6 – Bivouac – $15 ?

Had a tough draw in The Shorts and ran well behind Classique Legend. Is hitting this second up and has last year’s winning jockey Glen Boss onboard. Unfortunately he’s got a shocking gate again and may be caught wide, but he is a very classy colt and wouldn’t talk you out of backing him if you’re a fan.

7 – Gytrash – $6.50 ???

Has had Nature Strip’s number the last few meetings, and won well first up in the Concorde Stakes. Has been given a 6-week freshen up and a barrier trial to ensure he’s cherry ripe, draws well to get cover just off the speed, and looks the one to beat.

RESULT |

Gytrash has knocked off Nature Strip again! The star sprinter from SA finishes with a brilliant burst of speed to claim the Concorde Stakes for @racing_gordon in outstanding fashion as the field nearly breaks the track record 🚀pic.twitter.com/QizahnLVF8

— RSN927am (@RSN927) September 5, 2020

8 – Eduardo – $27

A great story for this horse to scale new heights and gain a slot in The Everest, and he’ll definitely push forward and try his heart out from the wide gate. Will provide nuisance value for Nature Strip, but don’t think he quite has the class to win this.

9 – Dollar For Dollar – $81

Unfortunate for Aquis that Farnan wasn’t quite ready to go and that a few other of their more fancied replacements weren’t keen. Dollar For Dollar will jump and run from the inside gate, and attempt to hold out Nature Strip. That’s about as far as his involvement will go, the price tells the tale.

10 – Tofane – $21 ???

I’m seeing a fair bit of pressure up front for the lead which should suit the swooping brigade, and think Tofane maps well for a nice run home. Has performed well in both starts this prep and is hitting this third up in peak condition, and could run a big race under the radar at the big price.

11 – Libertini – $9.50 ?

Has drawn a shocking barrier and is returning from a career best run first up in the Premiere Stakes. She’ll need to back that performance up to win here, and can’t afford to hit any flat spots second up. She may well come out and prove me wrong, but I’m happy to be against her here.

The #TABEverest anyone? 🚀

LIBERTINI blows them away in the Premiere Stakes. pic.twitter.com/Axsu4Hrzoa

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) October 3, 2020

12 – Haut Brion Her – $34

Ran well to win the Sheraco Stakes first up, but was disappointing in the Golden Pendant last start. I doubt she’ll kick up and hold out stablemate Nature Strip, which she probably needs to do to win. Price is about right.

Emergencies:

13 – Deprive, 14 – Special Reward, 15 – Standout, 16 – Tactical Advantage

I don’t think any of these emergencies are up to the task if they gain a run in the field.

Tip: 7-5-3-10

? = Must Watch
? = Big Winning Chance
?= Worth Including in Exotics

2020 The Everest Field, Barriers, & Odds