The biggest question in Australian racing right now is: has Kerrin McEvoy pulled the right rein?
He was faced last night with the hardest decision in our sport: stick with Redzel in the $14 million The Everest or switch to boom sprinter, the big grey Classique Legend.
And he no doubt tooed and froed, but ultimately loyalty to the old boy, a horse who has served him up two of the greatest moments he’s ever had in the sport, won out.
Just to clarify, however, McEvoy has left the door open. He will ride Redzel in The Shorts prior to The Everest, but in Gr 2 The Shorts, Classique Legend will begin his progress towards the bigger race also.
It will, one imagines, be very hard to displace The Shorts rider should McEvoy’s choice be imprudent.
So it looks like McEvoy will ride Redzel in The Everest.
So who rides the hulking grey flash?
Well, Legend Racing Manager Carmel Size says Nash Rawiller has been given the gig in the lead-up race.
She said: “We respect the decision of Kerrin McEvoy to stick with Redzel in The Shorts.
“We wish him the best of luck, he will always be part of the Legend team.
“But, I’m delighted to confirm that the legendary Nash Rawiller will ride Classique Legend in The Shorts.”
The Shorts, run over 1100m and worth $500,000 is the last lead-up race to the big The Everest and as such will determine everything going forward including who will start favourite in The Everest.
