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| Staff Writer |
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Briasa, the sensational TJ Smith Stakes winner nicknamed the 'grey flash', has secured his spot in this year's US$20 million The Everest.
Hawkes Racing announced on Saturday that the rising 5YO gelding has been snapped up by slot holders Max Whitby, Steve McCann, Colin Madden and Neil Werrett for the prestigious Sydney sprint.
The son of Smart Missile earned his place among Australia's elite sprinters when defeating Overpass to claim the Gr.1 TJ Smith Stakes on day one of The Championships.
"It's very exciting, obviously, but it's nice to get it done early so we can map out the best way to get him there to give us the best possible chance at the race," co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.
"He's still out in the paddock for a bit, but we'll work out when we get him back, and he'll guide us on the path we plot. He'll have one or two runs into The Everest, and will he stay in Sydney, and he'll run in the lead-ups. We just need to decide how many and which ones."
Briasa's ascent has been remarkable, having only broken his maiden in autumn last year. Since then, he's compiled an impressive record of seven wins from ten starts.
Hawkes, who trains in partnership with his father John and brother Wayne, believes there's still untapped potential in the grey sprinter.
"He's a young horse that's still learning, but he's already got a TJ under his belt," he said.
"Six months ago, he was in a benchmark 85 on the Kensington, so to have come that far in such a short time only emphasises how exciting he is, and we still don't know where his ceiling is. Every preparation he's improved as a racehorse, and there's no reason why that won't be the case again when he starts off his Everest campaign."
Unbeaten colt Private Harry was the first horse confirmed for The Everest following his The Galaxy victory on Golden Slipper Day. The Nathan Doyle-trained sprinter was purchased by racing and breeding powerhouse Yulong after the win and will run in their slot in the prestigious sprint contest.