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| Staff Writer |
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Scott Darby, a prominent syndicator, remains open to the possibility of Ozzmosis competing in The Everest if the talented colt manages to maintain his flawless record in the upcoming Listed A$200,000 Heritage Stakes at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
"The Everest is still on the cards for Ozzmosis depending on how he goes at Rosehill and if there is slot remaining,'' Darby said.
"It's hard to know which way the remaining slot-holders want to do but we are certainly open to it if he shows us what we are hoping he has got.''
Bjorn Baker, the trainer of the talented young sprinter Ozzmosis, dismissed any discussions about The Everest.
"All we are doing with Ozzmosis is concentrating on the basics and hopefully he runs a good race on Saturday then we will head to the Roman Consul Stakes,'' Baker said.
"We will get a good line on our colt in the Heritage Stakes, this is not the easiest race but hopefully he can put himself right there.''
On Thursday, Darby was picked up by slot-holders Australian Turf Club and RAMS Racing, securing an Everest for Overpass, a stablemate of Ozzmosis. However, he felt that his trainer was deliberately downplaying the abilities of their unbeaten 3YO.
"I think Bjorn is getting quite nervous that there is such a big boom on Ozzmosis,'' Darby said.
"But I guess everyone is a bit nervous to go on record to say how good he could be but we do feel this horse has some pretty special qualities.''
Baker admitted the naturally gifted Ozzmosis is an extremely talented young sprinter. "Ozzmosis is one of the most promising horses I've had,'' Baker said.
"He's got a great attitude, he's very well bred and is an exciting horse. This is a strong race on Saturday, we will know a lot more about our colt when he takes on Royal Tribute again.''
Ozzmosis last competed in a race when it managed to surpass Royal Tribute at Randwick in June. Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Royal Tribute made its debut during that event and has only raced once since then. Its recent victory at Hawkesbury over 1100m was truly remarkable, finishing with a breathtaking time of 1 minute and 01.82 seconds.
"We have a few of our owners that are in Ozzmosis who are also in Royal Tribute so it was interesting times when we won at Randwick,'' Darby said.
"But I was talking to Adrian about Royal Tribute the other day and he is confident their horse has come back at a whole, new level as I guess we are as well with Ozzmosis.
"It is going to be hard to get past Royal Tribute, it has a run under his belt but hopefully Ozzmosis can run up to what we feel he can do.''