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| Staff Writer |
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Tom Magnier of Coolmore Australia is describing the decision between rising stars Storm Boy and Switzerland for their coveted slot in The Gr.1 Everest as one of the hardest he's faced in racing. Both 3YOs are brimming with potential, but in the end, Storm Boy, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, is getting the nod.
Switzerland, who is impressing in the Roman Consul Stakes, is now targeting the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington after benefiting from an extra week's rest. "Switzerland was so impressive last Saturday, but we felt the colt would benefit from an extra week before the Coolmore Stud Stakes," Magnier is saying.
Storm Boy, who has been training specifically for The Everest, is being ridden by Brenton Avdulla, flying in from Hong Kong for the race. The Waterhouse-Bott stable is expressing confidence that Storm Boy, alongside stablemate Lady Of Camelot, is peaking at the right time. "He has had a nice freshen up, and the three weeks between runs has worked out really well," Bott is saying.
The Everest, inaugurated in 2017, has seen some remarkable performances over the years. Redzel claimed victory in the first two editions, while Nature Strip triumphed in 2021 and went on to win at Royal Ascot. Last year's winner, Giga Kick, is returning to defend his title, adding to the race's prestige.
Storm Boy is now joining an elite 12-horse field for the US$11.5 million Gr.1 Everest on Saturday at Royal Randwick. The son of Justify is looking to make his mark in Australia's richest race, which has quickly become one of the most anticipated events on the global racing calendar.
The Waterhouse-Bott team is expressing confidence in their charge, with Storm Boy's preparation being described as spot-on. "We couldn't be happier with how he's coming along," Bott is adding. "His work has been excellent, and he's showing all the signs of a horse ready for a big performance."
Avdulla, who is making the trip from Hong Kong specifically for this ride, is sharing the stable's optimism. "It's a huge opportunity, and I'm grateful to the connections for putting their faith in me," the jockey is saying. "Storm Boy is a serious talent, and I can't wait to partner with him in such a prestigious race."
The Gr.1 Everest is not just about the prize money; it's also about the prestige. Winning the race can significantly boost a horse's stud value, a fact not lost on Coolmore, one of the world's leading breeding operations. Their decision to run Storm Boy is underscoring their belief in his potential not just as a racehorse, but as a future stallion.
As the big day approaches, all eyes are on Royal Randwick. With a field packed with talent, including defending champion Giga Kick and other Group One winners, the 2023 Everest is shaping up to be a race for the ages. Storm Boy, carrying the hopes of the Coolmore team, is looking to etch his name into racing history.