The Final Field for the 2020 TAB Everest has been released and we have 12 top class sprinters set to line-up in this years edition of the race on October 17.
We take a look at each of the 12 horses in The Everest Field and we provide Video Form for each of the 12 runners in the race.
The best way to find The Everest winner is to watch each of the horses lead-up runs heading into the race and we do all the hard work to find these races and list them below.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the Everest
1. Nature Strip
Odds 💰: $4.80
Breeding: Nicconi x Strikeline
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: James McDonald
Slot Holder: TAB
Barrier: 5
Career Stats: 25: 14-3-0
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1000m/1200m
Career Best Win: TJ Smith Stakes, April 4 2020, Randwick, Heavy Surface
Dry Track Stats: 18: 9-3-0
Wet Track Stats: 7: 5-0-0
Short Summary: He will look the winner for a long way…look the winner for the entire 1200m? I’m saying yes.
Concorde Stakes (1000m), September 5 2020, Randwick, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Was lighting up the track at the trials, hence why he was $1.45 to win this, but Ball Of Muscle had other ideas and kicked up to hold out Nature Strip, which set up a scorching tempo, and also set the race up perfectly for Gytrash to blouse. Nature Strip was beaten, but far from disgraced.
Premiere Stakes (1200m), October 3 2020, Randwick, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Prior to this race, he had trialled twice. First trial, he dumped J Mac as the gates opened, then in the second trial, he was tardy to begin, so it was an interrupted prep, and in this race, he had to run a 200m section in under ten seconds, which is just crazy fast, even for Nature Strip. He had to puncture late and he did. Was found to have mucus post race as well so plenty of excuses.
Final Summary: There are a couple of speed runners engaged here, but they don’t have the toe to go with this guy, so he will lead them up and I think the key into this race is that he’s had no interruptions with all eyes towards this race. His best, ratings wise, has a few lengths on these and anywhere near that here, he’ll win. You’re getting a very attractive price as well to find out how well he’s going.
2. Trekking
Odds 💰: $12
Breeding: Street Cry x Outdoor
Trainer: James Cummings
Jockey: Josh Parr
Slot Holder: Max Whitby
Barrier: 4
Career Stats: 30: 10-5-4
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1100m/1400m
Career Best Win: Goodwood Handicap, May 16 2020, Morphettville, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 23: 9-3-4
Wet Track Stats: 7: 1-2-0
Short Summary: He’s around $21+…that’s crazy given two runs ago he beat the favourite, Gytrash, fair and square.
Goodwood Handicap (1200m), May 16 2020, Morphettville, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
This was a 12/10 steer by Johnny Allen. Got him to get get a suck run on the fence behind the good speed before angling into clear air and he was very strong late in wearing down Gytrash, with a good gap to third a positive as well.
Moir Stakes (1000m), September 25 2020, Moonee Valley, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
Lovely pipe opener from this guy over an unsuitable trip, and also on a really wet track, something he hates. Thought on the turn he was going to win, but he was first up in a fast run race, the wheels were spinning from the tempo, along with the wet track, his condition just gave out late. But, it was still an excellent run.
Final Summary: He’s the forgotten horse and IMO, the one that is silly odds. First up run was super, he boasts a win over Trekking and beat home Nature Strip in this race last year. If he can get a soft run off the speed, he’ll only run well, and the inside barrier ensures he will.
3. Classique Legend
Odds 💰: $4.60
Breeding: Not A Single Doubt x Pinocchio
Trainer: Les Bridge
Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
Slot Holder: Bon Ho
Barrier: 6
Career Stats: 11: 5-2-2
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1100m/1250m
Career Best Win: The Shorts, September 19 2020, Randwick, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 5: 2-1-0
Wet Track Stats: 6: 3-1-2
Short Summary: Arguably should have won last year. He’s on track to make amends 12 months on.
The Shorts (1100m), September 19 2020, Randwick, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
He had no right to win this given the lack of luck he got in the straight at a key stage of the race. Still managed to overcome it, peel to the outside and savage the line to win and stamp himself as indeed a top class sprinter. Form out of the race has been pretty solid with Dirty Work winning last Saturday at Caulfield.
Premiere Stakes (1200m), October 3 2020, Randwick, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
In terms of Everest lead up runs, this is just about near the top of the tree. Was wide no cover throughout on a very hot speed. He was entitled to throw in the towel on the turn, but he ambled up to Nature Strip, went past him and tried hard, but no match for Libertini, who had the A1 run in transit and was too good.
Final Summary: Les Bridge won’t hear of him getting beat and it’s not like Les to be as bullish, so much so he declared him the best horse he has trained, which is a massive wrap considering the champion he has trained. I think he’s one of the hardest to beat.
4 Santa Ana Lane
Odds 💰: $18
Breeding: Lope De Vega x Fast Fleet
Trainer: Team Freedman
Jockey: Sam Clipperton
Slot Holder: Coolmore
Barrier: 8
Career Stats: 42: 10-4-5
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1100m/1400m
Career Best Win: TJ Smith Stakes, April 6 2019, Randwick, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 26: 6-2-1
Wet Track Stats: 16: 4-2-4
Short Summary: Has had credits in the bank for a couple of years…has he got any left for this?
2019 Everest (1200m), October 19 2019, Randwick, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
This is what Santa did in the race last year. He was mighty in defeat, a touch unlucky not to finish closer to Yes Yes Yes, but not sure he would have beaten the three year old home in what was one of the highest rating races in the world.
Gilgai Stakes (1200m), October 3 2020, Flemington, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
On face value, he looked really plain. No dash at all late, but a couple of things to note here. First, those in front ran 32.69 between the 1000m-400m, so those behind were really asked to chase from a fair way out, and given he was first up, he couldn’t sustain it. Also, jockey Mark Zahra said post race that the horse may have not handled the rock hard track.
Final Summary: He’s been a gun sprinter for a few seasons now…but are the credits in the bank with him running out? Thought he was entitled to do a bit more in the Gilgai, but he’s record at Randwick on dry ground is very good. A win wouldn’t shock, but I have others ahead.
5 Behemoth
Odds 💰: $9.50
Breeding: All Too Hard x Penny Banger
Trainer: David Jolly
Jockey: Nash Rawiller
Slot Holder: The Star Casino
Barrier: 2
Career Stats: 17: 7-4-0
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1050m/1400m
Career Best Win: Memsie Stakes, August 29 2020, Caulfield, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 8: 4-2-0
Wet Track Stats: 9: 3-2-0
Short Summary: Needs things to fall into place, but if they do, he is a definite winning chance
Memsie Stakes (1400m), August 29 2020, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Perfect ride by Craig Williams. There was a query that he could get shuffled back in the run, but he landed the gelding in the A1 spot behind the speed and once he shoved into clear air on the turn, it was race over. 2nd and 3rd horses have come out and won since, so the form has been ticked off.
Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), September 19 2020, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Super win with topweight. Looked in a sticky spot at the top of the straight but he got clear and surged hard late to nail them on the line, making it back to back wins at the top level. The overall form out of the race does look a tad suspect though.
Final Summary: On paper, it looks perfect for him. Sits back off a fast speed and will be strong late. The problem will be what kind of start he concedes. If he has to concede 10+ lengths to the likely leader Nature Strip, I’d say he’s no chance because there are some top class and I dare say better animals that will be in front of Behemoth. He’ll need a ride similar to one produced in the Memsie to be a winning threat and the barrier gives him a great chance to do that. He’s right in the mix.
6. Bivouac
Odds 💰: $11
Breeding: Exceed And Excel x Dazzler
Trainer: James Cummings
Jockey: Glen Boss
Slot Holder: Godolphin
Barrier: 10
Career Stats: 17: 6-3-3
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1100m/1400m
Career Best Win: Newmarket Handicap, March 7 2020, Flemington, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 9: 2-0-3
Wet Track Stats: 8: 4-3-0
Short Summary: Flat track bully that needs things to fall into place and then some.
Newmarket Handicap (1200m), March 7 2020, Flemington, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
Perfect ride by Bossy to get him home here. Sat on what was a very moderate tempo for a straight and he had the colt in the A1 spot outside the speed, and 600m out, it was race over. He was always in control and always going to win.
The Shorts (1100m), September 19 2020, Randwick, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Just had to do a bit too much work in the run out wide and his condition blew out late. But, he was favourite for the race and he does have a hype on him, so some expected him to win and confirm himself as one of the hardest to beat. IMO, the run was a pass mark.
Final Summary: I’ve made my thoughts known on this horse for nearly 12 months. IMO, he’s very much overrated and needs things to fall into place for him to win. Even if things do fall into place, I couldn’t back him with confidence because the last time he did have things fall into place, which was the William Reid, he was soundly beaten by Loving Gaby. And also, it’s hard to doubt G Boss in a big race, but facts are his last 116 rides have resulted in three wins, so as good as he is on the big stage, he is well and truly out of form. Happy to let him go through to the keeper, especially after drawing wide.
7. Gytrash
Odds 💰: $6.50
Breeding: Lope De Vega x Miss Barley
Trainer: Gordon Richards
Jockey: Jason Collett
Slot Holder: Inglis
Barrier: 7
Career Stats: 20: 9-6-4
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1000m/1200m
Career Best Win: Lightning Stakes, February 15 2020, Flemington, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 13: 5-2-2
Wet Track Stats: 7: 4-1-2
Short Summary: His form is hard to ignore…but, is he better suited at 1000m-1100m? On form, it is, so from a betting perspective, he’s a risk.
Goodwood Handicap (1200m), May 16 2020, Morphettville, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Soft Surface
This is the run that somewhat concerns me about him running a strong 1200m. He looked to get every chance outside the speed from the wide gate, and was there to put them away, but couldn’t quite fend off Trekking, but still a very good effort at the end of a career best prep.
Concorde Stakes (1000m), September 5 2020, Randwick, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
What a statement this was. Yes, he the race set up for him, but he still had to take advantage of it, and that he did, sizzling clear late from Nature Strip and gave the track record a nudge. Outstanding performance and cemented his spot near the top of betting for The Everest.
Final Summary: Fresh is best for him. His record says as much. But, the two times he has been beaten with fresh legs have come at 1100m. IMO, he’s best suited at 1000m and a brutally run 1200m could find him out. Even in softly run 1200m races, he hasn’t been able to win, so that’s my concern with him leading into this and given he’s just about favourite for the race, I think from that perspective, he’s a risk. Will need everything to fall into place for him and will need a positive ride.
8. Eduardo
Odds 💰: $23
Breeding: Host x Blushing
Trainer: Joe Pride
Jockey: Rachel King
Slot Holder: MiRunners
Barrier: 9
Career Stats: 15: 5-3-3
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1000m/1300m
Career Best Win: Missile Stakes, August 8 2020, Rosehill, Heavy Surface
Dry Track Stats: 11: 1-3-3
Wet Track Stats: 4: 4-0-0
Short Summary: Has turned the corner under Joe Pride…but does he need a wet track to be a serious winning chance?
Missile Stakes (1200m), August 8 2020, Rosehill, Clockwise Direction, Heavy Surface
He got conditions to suit, he had race fitness on his side and Nash rode such a lovely front running race aboard the former Victorian, who kept finding under pressure and on the line was holding his rivals pretty comfortably. Form out of the race has been good as well.
The Shorts (1100m), September 19 2020, Randwick, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Super effort by this guy. Was wide no cover on speed for the trip and really, he could have easily thrown in the towel, but Joe Pride has got this horse flying and he showed real ticker late to run second to Classique Legend, an excellent effort and deserving of a slot.
Final Summary: His 2019 Oakleigh Plate effort was one of the runs of the year. But in turn, I thought it had finished him because he had done nothing in several runs since. Was then sent to Joe Pride and he’s got the horse flying, and is deserving of a slot given how well he’s going. Is he going well enough to win? I’m saying it wouldn’t be a total shock if he won the race. and Rachel King is the form rider in Sydney at the moment.
9. Dollar For Dollar
Odds 💰: $81
Breeding: High Chaparral x Pretty Penny
Trainer: Team McEvoy
Jockey: Tim Clark
Slot Holder: Aquis Farm
Barrier: 1
Career Stats: 30: 8-7-2
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1200m/1600m
Career Best Win: Sandown Stakes, November 18 2017, Sandown, Soft Surface
Dry Track Stats: 25: 5-7-1
Wet Track Stats: 5: 3-0-1
Short Summary: Fast run 1200m is right up his alley…just hasn’t got the class to match it with some of these.
Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), September 19 2020, Caulfield, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Luke Nolen rode him super in front. Let him roll along doing his own thing and he looked the winner for a long way, but was nabbed late by Behemoth, who was coming off a Group l Memsie win and has class. Still, a very good effort by this gelding.
Gilgai Stakes (1200m), October 3 2020, Flemington, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Perfect ride from Luke Currie that just didn’t quite come off. The best way to ride him is to let him roll or be in a race where the tempo is genuine. He set a very good speed in this race and although headed by Zoutori, he fought back so well to only go down narrowly.
Final Summary: He’s racing well, will put himself on speed and will be suited at a fast run 1200m…just the class factor for me is the concern and I think he’s making up the numbers here. but gate one gives him a chance to use his speed.
10. Tofane
Odds 💰: $21
Breeding: Ocean Park x Baggy Green
Trainer: Michael Moroney
Jockey: Tommy Berry
Slot Holder: Yu Long Investments
Barrier: 11
Career Stats: 16: 5-2-2
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1100m/1400m
Career Best Win: All Aged Stakes, April 18 2020, Randwick, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 8: 3-1-1
Wet Track Stats: 8: 2-1-1
Short Summary: Has she had a strong enough grounding for what is likely to be a brutal 1200m?
All Aged Stakes (1400m), April 18 2020, Randwick, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
This run followed a real eye catching effort in the TJ Smith behind Nature Strip. She was so deserving of a Group l win and got it here. Wore down a ripper in Pierata, nailing him right on the peg and soon after the win, talk of The Everest began.
Gilgai Stakes (1200m), October 3 2020, Flemington, Anti-Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
It was one of a couple of ordinary steers by Olly this meeting. He would like to have this one back. Clearly with proper room in the straight, she fights the finish out alongside Zoutori instead of being hands and heels for the last 50-75m and luckless.
Final Summary: I’m just not 100% sure if she’s had a strong enough grounding for this. The Bobbie Lewis first up was a barrier trial and then in the Gilgai, she was held up and not really extended at any stage over the last 200m. Got the talent to run well. Not sure she can win though.
11. Libertini
Odds 💰: $9.00
Breeding: I Am Invincible x Aloha
Trainer: Anthony Cummings
Jockey: Regan Bayliss
Slot Holder: James Harron Bloodstock
Barrier: 12
Career Stats: 10: 5-1-2
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1100m/1200m
Career Best Win: Premiere Stakes, October 3 2020, Randwick, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 5: 5-0-0
Wet Track Stats: 5: 0-1-2
Short Summary: If she reproduces her first up run, she’ll go very close.
Furious Stakes (1200m), September 7 2019, Randwick, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Wanted to show this. This was her second up run from last Spring where she had to produce a sub 33 for the last 600m to wear down a quality then filly in Villami. Margin was narrow, but given the race shape, the win had alot of merit and it showed she can follow up an explosive first up win.
Premiere Stakes (1200m), October 3 2020, Randwick, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
What a statement this was. We’ve been waiting and waiting for her to explode against the big boys and didn’t she do that in spades. Made some top class sprinters look second rate, but she did have the perfect run in transit. Still, had to take advantage of it and she did, drawing clear late and confirming her spot in the field for this race.
Final Summary: I was a leading member of her fan club 12 months ago but dropped off after a couple of flops. Fast forward to the Premiere and she raced like the best sprinter in Australia. Made an absolute mess of a couple of key rivals here, albeit she had the A1 run in transit. Can she repeat the dose? If she does, she has to be very much respected, but the gate makes things very difficult.
12. Haut Brion Her
Odds 💰: $31
Breeding: Zoustar x One In A Million
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Brenton Avdulla
Slot Holder: Chris Waller
Barrier: 3
Career Stats: 10: 6-3-0
Min/Max Distance Wins: 1200m/1400m
Career Best Win: Blazer Stakes, October 5 2019, Flemington, Good Surface
Dry Track Stats: 8: 4-3-0
Wet Track Stats: 2: 2-0-0
Short Summary: Really good mare at her best…good enough to win an Everest? I’m saying no.
Sheraco Stakes (1200m), September 12 2020, Rosehill, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Outstanding effort from all concerned to get her to win first up, around a year between runs. Had trialled up enormous prior and you’ll see in this replay, she used up petrol tickets early to get on speed, but she was just too good for them in the run to the line, a run which saw her straight away join The Everest conversation.
Golden Pendant (1400m), September 26 2020, Rosehill, Clockwise Direction, Good Surface
Just a touch flat off a brilliant return. Got the lead, again used petrol tickets, but looked to get a soft mid race breather. But the problem for her is that another quality mare, Subpoenaed, was within range on the turn and she was too good for them. Haut Brion Her disappointing, but somewhat forgiving.
Final Summary: It’s a throw at the stumps for sure and I would say on form, she’s got little chance of winning, but she’ll put herself near the speed and that’s the spot to be at Randwick when the track is firm.
