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| Staff Writer |
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I Am Me has passed a searching fitness test under the watchful eye of Racing NSW chief Steward Steve Railton, clearing her path to the US$12.7 million The Gr.1 Everest at Royal Randwick on Saturday. The mare, trained by Ciaron Maher, worked solo over 1000m under top jockey Nash Rawiller at Maher's private training complex at Bong Bong on Monday morning.
Railton, along with Racing NSW veterinarians, cleared I Am Me to take her place in the world's richest race on turf. The fitness test was ordered as a precautionary measure after the mare was found to have a trace of blood from one nostril following a recent barrier trial.
"I Am Me galloped on her own over 1000m this morning and has passed her test," Railton confirmed. "She is cleared to run in The Everest."
The steward also took the opportunity to have Maher's other outstanding sprinter, Bella Nipotina, trotted up before giving her the "green light" for The Gr. 1 Everest. This inspection was part of routine practice by stewards before a major race, with vets and officials examining all The Everest and King Charles runners at various tracks.
Rawiller, who has ridden five Everests with third place finishes on Eduardo (2021) and Private Eye (2023), is optimistic about I Am Me's chances in Saturday's race.
"I've got a lot of faith in I Am Me, she is in The Everest up to her ears," Rawiller stated. The jockey is hoping for a favourable draw in Tuesday night's barrier allocation at Royal Randwick. "If we get inside three it would be a great help," he added.
Rawiller believes I Am Me's adaptability will serve her well, regardless of the draw. "She is a very straightforward type of horse, she makes her own luck, so even from an awkward draw, she can overcome it pretty quickly."
Meanwhile, Warwick Farm trainer Joe Pride is eyeing off The Gr.1 Everest with his confirmed starter Private Eye, while still holding hope for a second runner in the prestigious event. Private Eye, placed in the last two editions of The Everest, is primed for another tilt at the title.
"I'm really happy with him, he's on track and had his little trial there during the week," Pride said. "He's a straight-forward horse, he's been there before — he's placed in the last two Everests — so he'll run well again."
Pride's hopes of a dual assault rest on the possibility of Think About It, last year's Everest winner, securing a late berth in the field. Currently left stranded outside the 12-horse lineup, Think About It is headed for the US$1.9 million Sydney Stakes (1200m) and likely to be an emergency for The Everest.
As the all-important barrier draws approaches, connections and racing enthusiasts alike are holding their breath. The stage is set for another thrilling edition of The Gr. 1 Everest, with all eyes on Royal Randwick this Saturday as the world's best sprinters vie for glory and a share of the massive prize purse.