Caballus has secured a coveted spot in the $20 million The Everest, with James Harron Bloodstock confirming the Newmarket Handicap winner as its representative for next Saturday’s Randwick feature.
The Bjorn Baker-trained sprinter will join stablemate Blue Door in Australia’s richest race after Harron and his partners reached an agreement with Darby Racing, which manages the ownership of Caballus.
James Harron Bloodstock has been involved in The Everest as a slot holder since the race’s inception a decade ago and will again have a runner in the prestigious 1200-metre contest.
With Caballus now confirmed, Yulong remains the only slot holder yet to announce its runner for the 2026 edition.
The powerful racing operation owned by Zhang Yuesheng is widely expected to select Angel Capital, who enhanced his credentials with a last-start victory in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
Caballus earned his Everest opportunity following an impressive autumn campaign highlighted by victory in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.
His preparation concluded with an unplaced performance in Perth’s lucrative The Quokka before he was given a break ahead of the spring.
The gelding returned to racing in last Saturday’s Group 2 Premiere Stakes at Randwick, finishing fifth behind winner Tempted, with fellow Everest contender Savvy Hallie also ahead of him.
Despite the growing strength of the field, Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising remains the dominant favourite for The Everest at $1.30.
The champion sprinter had his final preparations tested in a Randwick barrier trial on Tuesday, finishing a narrow second behind fellow Everest contender Ninja.
With 11 of the 12 runners now confirmed and Yulong expected to finalise its selection shortly, the stage is almost set for another blockbuster edition of the $20 million sprint at Randwick.
