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| Staff Writer |
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I Am Me has secured her spot in the prestigious Gr.1 The Everest, joining stablemate Bella Nipotina in the A$20 million (US$12.9 million) sprint spectacular at Royal Randwick on October 19. The mare's connections have confirmed she will represent the slot held jointly by Arrowfield Stud and The Star Entertainment Group.
Following her impressive victory in The Shorts, I Am Me is set to tackle The Everest without another run. The 5YO daughter of Exceedance has been in scintillating form, notching back-to-back wins in the Concorde Stakes and The Shorts.
Trainer Ciaron Maher now finds himself with a formidable duo for Australia's richest race, as I Am Me joins Bella Nipotina, who will run in the TAB slot.
Connections have announced that Nash Rawiller will take the reins aboard I Am Me for her Everest tilt. The veteran jockey, known for his strength in a finish, seems an ideal match for the tough mare.
"Nash Rawiller has been booked for the ride," confirmed Dynamic Syndications in a statement. They added, "I Am Me has come through her last start victory extremely well and will arrive at the TAB Everest third-up for her preparation, which has historically seen her peak performances."
I Am Me's rise to Everest contender has been meteoric. Just 12 months ago, she was winning the Sydney Stakes on The Everest undercard. Now, she's poised to take centre stage in the world's richest turf race.
The mare's recent performances have been nothing short of stellar. She kicked off her campaign by toppling stablemate Bella Nipotina in the Concorde Stakes, before backing up with a gutsy win in The Shorts.
I Am Me becomes the third horse confirmed for The Everest this week, joining Stefi Magentica (Newgate and GPI Racing slot) and Joliestar (Chris Waller Racing slot). The field for the 1200-metre sprint is rapidly taking shape, with some of Australia's finest speedsters set to clash.
The Everest, first run in 2017, has quickly established itself as one of the world's premier sprint races. Past winners include the likes of Redzel, who claimed the first two editions, Yes Yes Yes, and last year's victor Giga Kick. Many of these sprinters have gone on to achieve further Group One success, cementing The Everest's status as a true test of speed and class.
As the countdown to The Everest continues, all eyes will be on I Am Me and her stablemate Bella Nipotina. With two runners in the race, Ciaron Maher appears to hold a strong hand in his quest for Everest glory.