 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Racing's leading lady Gai Waterhouse has confirmed brilliant 3YO Storm Boy will take his place in Coolmore's slot for the A$20 million The TAB Everest at Royal Randwick on October 19.
Speaking from Flemington trackwork, Waterhouse revealed Storm Boy has come through his close fourth in the Golden Rose in fine fettle and will drop back in trip to 1,200 metres for the TAB Everest.
"We put a lot of thought into The Everest and we feel it is the right race for Storm Boy,'' Waterhouse said. "The horse has come through the Golden Rose so well and he was only beaten a very short margin. He's such a talented horse and he's going to be suited at weight-for-age (53kg).''
Coolmore's Tom Magnier had previously hinted at keeping Storm Boy to sprint races following his gutsy front-running effort in the Golden Rose, where he finished just half a length behind Godolphin's Broadsiding.
Storm Boy, victorious in the Magic Millions and third in the Golden Slipper last term, will attempt to become the third 3YO to claim The Everest. Yes Yes Yes triumphed in 2019, while Giga Kick secured victory in 2022.
Previous Everest winners have gone on to achieve further Group One success. Redzel, the inaugural winner in 2017, followed up with victory in 2018 and also claimed the Group One Darley Classic. Nature Strip, successful in 2021 and 2022, added the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot to his impressive resume.
With Storm Boy's participation all but confirmed, the final field for the world's richest turf race is taking shape. Five runners are already locked in: I Wish I Win (slot-holder Trackside Media), Bella Nipotina (TAB), Joliestar (Chris Waller Racing), Stefi Magnetica (Newgate and GPI Racing) and I Am Me (Arrowfield and The Star).
Bustling, previously held by the Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, and Col Madden slot, was withdrawn on Tuesday by co-trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr.
Sunshine In Paris is considered a virtual certainty for the Fairway Thoroughbred slot, managed by the mare's owner, John Camillieri.
Industry insiders are speculating that Everest deals for Storm Boy's stablemate, Golden Slipper heroine Lady Of Camelot, and defending champion Giga Kick could be announced imminently.
Anticipation is building for what promises to be another thrilling renewal of Australia's premier sprint race with a mix of established stars and emerging talent, the 2024 edition is shaping up to be a fascinating contest.