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| Dane Squance |
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Having finished third last year when beaten less than half a length behind Nature Strip (Nicconi) and Masked Crusader (Toronado), Joe Pride’s gallant war-horse Eduardo (Host) will contest The Everest for the third consecutive year, racing in the Yulong slot in 2022.
With two barrier trials under his belt this time in, winning over 816m at Warwick Farm on August 5, before a narrow second to Joyful Fortune on August 19 over 742m, the 9yo gelding is likely to resume in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m).
He’s spelled terrific, he’s had the biggest break he’s had since he’s been in Sydney,’’ said Pride.
“His feet look great, his coat looks great, he’s jumping out of his skin.”
After the Concorde, Eduardo will contest the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) on September 17 before arriving at the TAB Everest a month later third-up. He’ll also attempt to defend the $1m Nature Strip Stakes – the race named after the previous year’s Everest champ.
Regular rider Nash Rawiller who rode Eduardo in his Warwick Farm barrier trial and labelled him as the horse he’s most looking forward to riding during the upcoming carnival.
“He’s the heaviest he’s ever been, he looks strong and as happy as he ever has, so that’s exciting,” Rawiller said.
“For him, it was like just going even time leading up that trial, under a hold, he did everything I asked him, felt great.
“Hopefully, he can give them a run for their money in The Everest I guess, a race like that is something he certainly deserves.”