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| Staff Writer |
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Lady Of Camelot showed her class with a commanding performance in Tuesday morning's star-studded barrier trial at Randwick, as the pieces of the US$14 million Gr.1 Everest puzzle continued to fall into place.
The James McDonald saga reached its conclusion as the champion jockey committed to partnering the Chris Waller-trained Joliestar in Australia's richest race, leaving the door open for Mark Zahra to reunite with defending champion Giga Kick.
New pilot Rachel King guided the Golden Slipper heroine to victory in the 1000m heat, clocking an impressive 58.48 seconds with a final 600m split of 34.90. The Ciaron Maher-trained filly edged clear late, with multiple Everest contenders in her wake.
Two-time Everest placegetter Private Eye caught the eye in third, with regular rider Jay Ford effusive in his assessment: "He had plenty of enthusiasm, he travelled nicely and I didn't overtax him. He felt great and was bouncing so it's exactly what you want to see two weeks out from such a big race."
The Everest, inaugurated in 2017, has seen champions like Redzel (2017, 2018), Yes Yes Yes (2019), and Nature Strip (2021) grace its honour roll. Classique Legend's 2020 victory remains a course record, while last year's winner Giga Kick became the first three-year-old to claim the prize.
Beyond the Everest hopefuls, the trial showcased the depth of spring talent. Group One winners Fangirl, Lady Laguna, and Zougotcha all had quiet trials, with Kerrin McEvoy keeping Fangirl under wraps ahead of her tilt at the US$3.5 million Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes on Everest day.
The Les Bridge-trained Celestial Legend sported blinkers for the first time, finishing fifth under Blake Shinn. The gelding shares favouritism with Amelia's Jewel for the King Charles III Stakes, where Fangirl sits as second elect following her triumph in the Gr.1 George Main Stakes.
Private Eye, secured at the eleventh hour for an Everest slot by owners Neil Werrett, Max Whitby, and Col Madden, will bid to improve on his previous placings in the sprint feature. Ford emphasised the importance of the barrier draw, noting: "I think he's been going really well this preparation, we've just had bad gates so the barrier draw will be crucial next week."