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| Dane Squance |
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While the second, third and fourth horses in Thursday’s barrier trial are already likely Everest contenders, it was Bjorn Baker’s Overpass that once again highlighted himself to slot holders as a serious contender by winning the trial, stopping the clock at 55.49 (last 600m in 36.65) in Soft 7 conditions.
Getting out of the gates well and leading throughout, Vancouver’s Group 2-winning son Overpass has now had two trials this time in, winning both of them impressively, and in the process beating home some extremely handy runners.
Thursday’s effort saw the 4yo stallion prospect finish just over a length ahead of World Champion Springer Nature Strip, a last start winner of the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes.
While the Chris Waller-trained gelding was arguably doing it easier as the line was reached, it was what is expected of the reigning Everest Champion and nine-time Group 1 winner of over $18m in earnings!
Working home into third, about a length and a half behind Nature Strip was 2020 Everest winner Classique Legend, who was having his first public trial since finishing fifth in last year’s Everest behind Nature Strip.
While yet to be given a slot as such, his owner Bon Ho is a slot holder and if the decision is made to head to the Everest, then a slot will be allocated to the 7yo gelding.
With trainer Les Bridge saying if all is right with his gallant grey, the only thing between Classique Legend winning and losing this year’s Everest is Nature Strip – quite a statement!
Finishing fourth in what was another easy trial for the John O’Shea trained Lost And Running, connections including jockey Hugh Bowman, were extremely happy post trial with the effort of Everest bound gelding.
The son of Per Incanto was last early but was hitting the line strongly late under a firm hold from Bowman to finish five lengths off the winner.
The likely campaign starting point for many of today’s runners is the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) on September 17 at Randwick, a race won by Eduardo in 2021 and Classique Legend in 2020.