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| Staff Writer |
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Bjorn Baker is rolling the dice with his star sprinter Overpass, eyeing a first-up tilt at the US$13.4 million Gr.1 TAB Everest at Royal Randwick on October 19. The trainer is banking on the horse's proven fresh form and big-race prowess to secure one of the remaining slots in the world's richest turf race.
Overpass, a dual The Quokka victor and Group One Winterbottom Stakes champion, hit the ground running in his spring preparation. The gelding, under the guidance of Josh Parr, dominated a 900m barrier trial at Rosehill on Monday, leading from start to finish. Clocking a swift 54.8s, he left Passeggiata three lengths in his wake, sending a clear message to potential Everest suitors.
Baker, buoyed by the performance, declared, "I think Overpass is going better than ever. He looks amazing and I think we're in for a really good spring with him. I think he's ready to go to another level."
With Overpass boasting career earnings approaching US$5.4 million, Baker is adamant about preserving the horse's lethal first-up record. "Because he goes so well fresh, we won't run him before October 19," the trainer affirmed. "He will probably have another barrier trial and maybe exhibition gallop and then he will be ready to go first-up on Everest Day."
This unconventional approach is a calculated risk, with Baker hoping Overpass's reputation and recent trial form will be enough to secure one of the eight remaining Everest slots.
While The Everest remains the primary target, Baker is keeping his options open. "Whether we can get him into the Everest or not we have to wait and see but we have Sydney Stakes there on same day," he noted, referring to the lucrative consolation race run on the same card.
The TAB Everest, inaugurated in 2017, has quickly established itself as a pinnacle of Australian racing. Previous winners include sprinting luminaries such as Redzel (2017, 2018), who went on to amass over US$10 million in prizemoney, and Nature Strip (2021), who subsequently conquered Royal Ascot's King's Stand Stakes.
As the racing world watches on, Baker's gamble with Overpass adds another layer of intrigue to the build-up of this year's Everest. With the trainer's confidence sky-high and the horse in peak condition, Overpass is poised to make a significant impact, whether in The Everest or the Sydney Stakes, come October 19.