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| Staff Writer |
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Coolmore's decision on which sprinter to enter for the prestigious The Gr.1 Everest has stirred much anticipation, with Switzerland emerging as a late contender. The US$20 million race, to be held at Royal Randwick, stands as the world's richest turf contest, and Coolmore’s slot remains conspicuously open. As the global powerhouse weighs its options, the Gr.2 Roman Consul Stakes at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday could be pivotal in determining their final selection.
Although Storm Boy, a colt of immense talent, has long been favoured for Coolmore’s spot in The Gr.1 Everest, the possible inclusion of Switzerland has added an intriguing twist. The colt is slated to run in the US$300,000 Gr.2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m), and a victory could cement his candidacy for next week’s feature event. Trainer Chris Waller is said to be highly confident in the colt’s current condition, despite Switzerland’s inconsistent form of late.
Tom Magnier, Coolmore Australia’s supremo, hinted at the possibility, stating, “Switzerland could be in the mix, but he would have to win well and not have a hard run.”
The Roman Consul Stakes has long been a defining race for Everest hopefuls, with past winners often going on to achieve further Group One success. Notable names include Exceedance, who triumphed in 2019 and later clinched the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, solidifying his place among elite sprinters. This history heightens the stakes for Switzerland, whose performance will be scrutinised as Coolmore contemplates its Everest representative.
Switzerland, purchased for a staggering US$1.5 million at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, showed early promise by winning his first three starts, including the Gr.2 Todman Stakes. However, his eighth-place finish in the Gr.1 Golden Slipper, where he trailed behind Lady of Camelot, tempered expectations. His latest outing in the Run to the Rose was similarly underwhelming, prompting concerns over his form leading into Saturday.
Nonetheless, recent signs of improvement have rekindled hope. A sharp barrier trial at Rosehill last week saw Switzerland finish a close third, displaying the speed and class that once made him a leading prospect. Waller’s expertise in managing three-year-olds will be critical as the colt faces what could be his make-or-break race.
Meanwhile, Storm Boy remains Coolmore’s initial choice for The Gr.1 Everest, but his preference for firm ground presents a significant challenge. With rain forecasted in the lead-up to next weekend, concerns have arisen over his ability to perform on a softer surface. “Storm Boy is extremely talented but is definitely superior on top of the ground,” Magnier acknowledged, adding further complexity to Coolmore's decision.
Despite the uncertainty, jockey Brenton Avdulla has been placed on standby to return from Hong Kong and partner Storm Boy in The Gr,1 Everest. Should the weather clear, his return would likely see Storm Boy hold his place in the starting line-up. Coolmore's final decision will come after Saturday's Roman Consul Stakes, with Magnier emphasising, “We don’t have to make up our minds until Tuesday morning. Let’s get through Saturday first.”
If either Switzerland or Storm Boy is selected for The Gr.1 Everest, it will bring the number of three-year-olds in the field to four. They will join Growing Empire, Traffic Warden, and the aforementioned Lady of Camelot, who are already confirmed. These younger contenders will face seasoned sprinters, making the race an intriguing clash of emerging talent against established stars.
Coolmore, with its global racing empire, has much at stake in this decision. The Gr.1 Everest not only offers enormous prize money but also carries significant implications for the breeding careers of its participants. Whether Switzerland can secure his place by impressing in the Roman Consul Stakes or whether Storm Boy will remain the favourite despite the weather concerns, Coolmore’s choice will be watched with keen interest by racing fans and industry insiders alike.
The waiting game continues, and the racing world will eagerly await Tuesday morning’s announcement.