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| Staff Writer |
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Think About It, last year's The Everest hero, caught the eye with a slashing barrier trial performance at Royal Randwick on Monday, giving slot-holders plenty to ponder ahead of the world's richest turf race.
The 1000m heat, delayed by 10 minutes due to Mazu's reluctance to load, saw the Joseph Pride-trained gelding eventually jump smartly and lead throughout. However, it was stablemate Think About It who stole the show, finishing a close third under a tight hold from jockey Jason Collett.
Pride was pleased with both runners, stating, "Think About It will have another trial before resuming in the Gr.2 Premiere Stakes at Randwick on October 5. Mazu's antics were out of character, but he trialled well and could kick off in the Gr.2 The Shorts on September 21."
Splitting the Pride pair was Stradbroke Handicap heroine Stefi Magnetica. The Bjorn Baker-trained mare finished strongly on the outside, suggesting she's maintained her Queensland winter form. Baker hinted at a similar path to Think About It, with the Premiere Stakes a likely target.
Chris Waller's stable star Fangirl cruised into fifth, just over a length behind the winner. Already a Gr.1 placegetter this term, the mare used the trial to sharpen up for her next assignment.
Waller revealed, "What the trial means is that I don't have to gallop Fangirl too hard before the 7 Stakes. Zougotcha will go there as well. This is a US$650,000 race and it fits in nicely for the Epsom, King Charles and those types of races."
As the spring carnival heats up, all eyes are on The Everest, now in its seventh year. Previous winners include Redzel (2017, 2018), Yes Yes Yes (2019), Classique Legend (2020), Nature Strip (2021), and Giga Kick (2022), before Think About It's triumph last year.
With a purse of US$11.7 million, The Everest continues to attract top-class sprinters from around the globe. Think About It's sharp trial suggests he's on track to mount a sturdy defence of his crown, but with the likes of Mazu, Stefi Magnetica, and potentially Fangirl in the mix, it's shaping up to be another thrilling renewal.