Everest Contenders Being Their Journey With Trials At Rosehill

Peter Snowden-trained Mazu finished in second place behind Bjorn Baker’s O’President at the Rosehill trials with Masked Crusader just under a length behind Mazu.

Last year’s Everest runner-up Masked Crusader had a below par autumn as he missed a place in all three starts but the signs in his trial were there that he can bounce back after finishing 11 lengths astern of Nature Strip in the TJ Smith Stakes.

Mazu’s Group One-winning stablemate Sheeza Belter finished sixth in the trial and Snowden said she’s likely to resume in the Gr.2 Furious Stakes.

Paul Snowden and Masked Crusader’s jockey William Pike were happy with their respective charges that made pleasing returns.

Snowden said on Sky Thoroughbred Central that Mazu, will have a second trial in early September before a first-up assignment in the Group 2 A$1 million The Shorts on September 17.

“He’s had a little pre-trial sweat and he trialed very much in hand. That’s how we wanted him to trial. What we are seeing today is how he’s come back a much mature horse and we’re looking forward to his second trial and getting him back to the races. He jumped really well, settled great, and it was pleasing to see on our behalf for sure.” Snowden added.

Everest slot holders The Star & Arrowfield had secured Mazu, proud winner of all five starts in the Gr.1 Doomben 10.000, on a deal that takes in both 2022 and 2023.

Speaking of last year’s Everest runner-up Masked Crusader,  jockey William Pike said on Sky Thoroughbred Central. “It was a nice trial, he’s back to his usual self. He relaxed early and really thundered home to the line. The six-year-old was the first horse  whose slot was confirmed for the TAB Everest by the Max Whitby and Neil Werrett group.”

Pike also spoke highly of Gr.1 winner Yearning, who is in for a big spring on the back of finishing second behind Another Alibi over 1030m in her second trial. “I’ve always liked her, she was one of the first horses I trialed when I first came across to Sydney,’’ he said, “She gave a fantastic feel so hopefully with a few drier tracks around you’ll be able to get to see her up in headlights a bit more.”

Pike also rode the recently gelded Remarque to an easy win in a later 900m trial run 0.73 seconds slower than the heat won by O’President.