Godolphin has locked in Newmarket Handicap winner Bivouac to represent its slot in the $15 million Everest and they remain optimistic Trekking will also gain a start.
Vin Cox, Australian managing director for Godolphin, said Bivouac made strong appeal as a dual Group One winner.
“Bivouac is a proven Group One sprinter with a magnificent profile that we are keen to build on,” Cox said.
“He’s a very exciting racehorse who we expect will be an outstanding addition to our stallion roster next year.
“Glen Boss rode him in his Newmarket victory earlier this year in what was Bivouac’s highest-rating win and we’re delighted to have him back on in the Everest.”
Boss will be chasing his second successive win in the rich race after claiming it for the first time 12 months ago aboard Yes Yes Yes.
Cox said more than one rival slot holder was interested in securing Trekking and while a deal was yet to be finalised, he expected last year’s Everest third placegetter to secure one of the five remaining vacancies in the race.
Bivouac was considered Godolpin’s top seed for the world’s richest race on turf but he was only confirmed for its slot on Monday.
Trainer James Cummings is also confident Trekking will line up and says it has been a team effort to prepare two strong contenders.
“To have one horse chosen to run in a race like this is a big achievement, to have two is something that only comes through a lot of great work by a lot of people,” Cummings said.
Trekking is a two-time Group One winner of last year’s Stradbroke Handicap and the Goodwood at Morphettville in May.
He showed he had returned in top order with an eye-catching second to Pippie in the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday.
Nature Strip remains the $3.50 favourite for The Everest with Bivouac on the fourth line of betting at $11 while Trekking is being kept safe as a $17 chance.
Bivouac is currently an $11 chance in Everest betting with Sportsbet.
Market 💰: View the Odds for The Everest
