Classique LegendĀ and Lost And RunningĀ have continued their Everest build-ups with a barrier trial clash at Randwick, while EduardoĀ has again underlined his claims for a slot with a dominant display.
The reigning Everest titleholder, Classique Legend was prominent in the run and angled through a split in the straight to edge out an equally impressive Lost And Running in the opening 1000m heat.
Both will resume in The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday week, a race that is also the first-up target for Eduardo.
While Classique Legend and Lost And Running have secured Everest slots, Eduardo is yet to be locked in, although trainer Joe PrideĀ has confirmed discussions with slot holders are ongoing and āthere are a few irons in the fireā.
The Doomben 10,000 winner contested a separate 740m heat at Fridayās session, flying the gates and maintaining his advantage to the line to defeat Mamaragan.
Pride said the shorter heat was the right fit for Eduardo and the horse would be spot-on for a repeat of his first-up heroics last preparation when he downed Nature Strip in the Challenge Stakes.
āI intentionally didnāt want him in the 1000 metre trial, the alleged āEverest trialā,ā Pride said.
āItās a bit too much for him to run 1000 metres eight days out from a race, itās not his style.
āEvery horse is different and itās probably the right thing for Classique Legend, but itās not the right thing for Eduardo.
āItās his third trial and heās going to go to The Shorts ready to run right up to what heās capable of.ā
Nash RawillerĀ has forged a wonderful partnership with Eduardo since the gelding joined Prideās stable and again partnered him in Fridayās hitout.
He has been booked to ride him in The Shorts and The Everest if he secures a berth.
