2024 The Everest Contenders: Who Are They?

Private Eye

Trainer: Joseph Pride

Owner: Proven Thoroughbreds, P Yates, N Dimitrakis, S Flegman, Ms M Keatinge, Sixth Sense Racing, B Playford, G Lester, P Davidson, D George, M Ross, C Hackett, Martin Thoroughbred Racing, Mrs B Davidson, Ms Laundy, Mrs S Rowden, T Findlay, City Tattersalls Club (Campion), Ms I Brazil & Beams

Jockey: Jay Ford

Slot Holder: Max Whitby, Col Madden and Neil Werrett

Seven-year-old Private Eye aims for third time lucky in the A$20 million Gr.1 The Everest. Runner-up in 2022 and third last year to stablemate Think About It, the consistent sprinter seeks first win since 2023 The Shorts. Despite drought, form suggests competitiveness at favoured Randwick.

I Wish I Win

Trainers: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman

Owner: Waikato Stud Ltd, M J Chittick & P G Moody

Jockey: Luke Nolen

Slot Holder: Trackside Media

The Moody/Coleman-trained Savabeel gelding, fresh from Gr.1 Kingsford Smith Cup triumph, aims to improve on last year's second. After close Gr.1 Moir Stakes runner-up and solid Gr.1 Manikato third, connections eye Sydney glory. Luke Nolen retains the ride.

Bella Nipotina

Trainer: Ciaron Maher

Owner: M B Christian, Ms S M Miller, Mrs P T Christian, A S Ingersole, M Johnston, Porter Pelchen Bloodstock & B G Christian

Jockey: TBC

Slot Holder: TAB

The seven-year-old Pride Of Dubai mare, narrowly second in Gr.3 Concorde Stakes, earns a chance after missing last year's field. Group One Tatt's Tiara winner boasts strong Randwick form, including TJ Smith runner-up and recent Gr.2 Premiere Stakes third.

Stefi Magnetica

Trainer: Bjorn Baker

Owner: Cunningham Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd, Mr K Salagic, Currie & Young Family Racing, Mr J Vitek

Jockey: Zac Lloyd

Slot Holder: Newgate & GPI Racing

The All Too Hard filly impressed when runner-up in The Shorts, a key Everest lead-up. The Stradbroke winner’s closing speed and Group One success over Bella Nipotina in Brisbane highlight her credentials for the world's richest turf race.

Joliestar

Trainer: Chris Waller

Owner: B J Lindsay & J E A Lindsay

Jockey: James McDonald

Slot Holder: Chris Waller Racing

The four-year-old Zoustar mare, victorious in Thousand Guineas and Arrowfield 3YO Stakes, seeks improvement from Gr.2 Sheraco third. James McDonald booked for ride, chasing second Everest triumph. Consistent form gives a chance at big odds.

I Am Me

Trainer: Ciaron Maher

Owner: Dynamic Syndications Racing, Sheikh M B K Al Maktoum, Mrs J M Crooks, B & K Ramsey Family, P J Woollett, G Rassos, R J Gall, R G Dawkins, A W Robertson, A Cranes, A Mitchell, Mrs M Joyce, M G Joyce, S B Troughton, D P Lacey, M J Millner, S Finnigan & A D Vella

Jockey: TBC

Slot Holder: The Star Sydney & Arrowfield Stud

The I Am Invincible mare secured the A$20 million Gr.1 The Everest berth after Concorde Stakes - The Shorts double. Ciaron Maher's sprint specialist, multiple Group One-placed, impresses with form over fellow contenders. There was a slight query over reported nosebleed, but connections remain confident in the mare's chances for career-best victory.

Traffic Warden

Trainer: James Cummings

Owner: Godolphin

Jockey: Jamie Kah

Slot Holder: Godolphin

Jamie Kah secures ride on Traffic Warden in A$20 million Gr.1 The Everest. Godolphin's James Cummings confirms that multiple Group Two-winning three-year-old colt takes his chance following close second in Group One Golden Rose over 1400m. Connections eye victory against older sprinters in the world's richest turf race.

Lady Of Camelot

Trainers: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott

Owner: Go Bloodstock

Jockey: Rachel King

Slot Holder: Go Bloodstock & James Harron Bloodstock

Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot, third in Group One Moir Stakes, seeks improvement from unplaced Gr.2 The Shorts run. Rachel King booked as connections aim for historic first filly victory.

Sunshine In Paris

Trainers: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald

Owner: Ms K L Avison

Jockey: TBC

Slot Holder: Fairway Thoroughbreds

Lightly-raced five-year-old Invader mare Sunshine In Paris, boasting five wins from ten starts, enters on the back of successful Group Two Sheraco Stakes title defence. Connections eye big-race success with improving sprinter in the world's richest turf race.

Giga Kick

Trainer: Clayton Douglas

Owner: Pinecliff Racing

Jockey: Mark Zhara

Slot Holder: Pinecliff Racing & ATC

Clayton Douglas' Scissor Kick gelding aims to make history in the 2024 Gr.1 The Everest. The five-year-old, winner in 2022, seeks to become the second dual champion and first non-consecutive victor. Two Group One wins since his three-year-old triumph, followed by a year off. Impressed in Gr.3 Concorde Stakes return and strong fourth in Gr.2 Premiere Stakes. Mark Zahra booked for the A$-rich feature.

Growing Empire

Trainer: Ciaron Maher

Owner: Yulong Investments

Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy

Slot Holder: Yulong Investments

Ciaron Maher's promising Zoustar colt Growing Empire seeks redemption in the Gr.1 Manikato Stakes. The exciting young sprinter, an early favourite, aims to bounce back to winning ways after an eye-catching second-up performance. Three-times The Everest-winning jockey Kerrin McEvoy takes the reins on the talented prospect.

Storm Boy

Trainers: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott

Owner: Cunningham Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd, A Bowler Et Al

Jockey: Brenton Avdulla

Slot Holder: Coolmore

Coolmore's costly Justify colt, the Magic Millions Classic victor, targets The Everest over Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas. Connections opt for 1200m sprint following close fourth in Gr.1 Golden Rose. The longer break and shorter trip should see him challenge older rivals. Brenton Avdulla jets in for the lucrative A$-rich feature.