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| Staff Writer |
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Overpass has been chosen to compete in The TAB Everest, giving him a second chance to win the A$20 million race at Royal Randwick next month. The Australian Turf Club has partnered with RAM Racing to secure the world's richest turf race slot.
RAM Racing has a history with Overpass, having worked with the horse's trainer Bjorn Baker and syndicator Scott Darby of Darby Racing to achieve success with the sprinter in The Quokka earlier this year. After weeks of negotiations, Darby expressed relief that Overpass will be able to compete in The Everest on 14th October, following his close sixth-place finish to Giga Kick in last year's big race.
"It's awesome to get the deal done with ATC and Ram Racing from Western Australia,'' Darby said.
"We joined up with the Ram Racing fellas with The Quokka that Overpass won in Perth earlier this year and it will be great to have them at Randwick for The Everest.''
RAM Racing chief executive Adam Fletcher said "there is no more exciting race in the world to be involved in than the TAB Everest.''
"I'm delighted to be able to join with the Australian Turf Club,'' Fletcher said.
"We are hue fans of Overpass and with the ATC and Darby Racing will be cheering the house down at the world-famous Royal Randwick on 14 October.'
Peter McGauran, the chairman of ATC, announced that by sharing their slot with RAM Racing, the TAB Everest will now be accessible to racing fans in Western Australia. This agreement extends the reach of the prestigious event to a wider audience.
"This partnership brings a wider national perspective and audience to the TAB Everest and RAM Racing's enthusiasm for being a part of the race is significant,'' McGauran said.
"We are also delighted to join with Overpass, our own Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker and Darby Racing who have been long and loyal supporters of Sydney racing."
Trainer Bjorn Baker firmly believes that Overpass has improved as a horse this year compared to his competitive run in The Everest 12 months ago.
"Overpass has gone to another level this year and I couldn't be happier with how he has pulled up after The Shorts,'' Baker said.
"The plan is to trial him on October 3 and then go straight into The Everest without another run. He goes best on the fresh side and he excels at 1200m.
"He deserves his spot in the race – it's good to be back in The Everest.''
After an impressive second place finish behind Private Eye in The Shorts last Saturday, Overpass secured his spot at Everest. Furthermore, the race also saw Max Whitby and Neil Werrett pick up Private Eye, which left five slots open. According to sources, another slot-holder is in the final stages of sealing a deal for the eighth Everest starter, and an official announcement is anticipated to be made on Friday.