Has global powerhouse Godolphin retired its champion sprinter Blue Point too soon?
That may well be the question now that a $600,000 The Everest slot has become available following the arrest of previous slot owner Damion Flower.
Because Godolphin want that slot.
On July 12 Racing NSW will announce who of those tenders for the slot wins it.
But Godolphin’s trainer James Cummings is gearing up to aim Alizee, Microphone and last year’s The Everest placegetter, Osborne Bulls at the race.
Godolphin want to own the slot so they can choose one of their own to represent them.
However, even though they could easily outbid anyone for the remaining slot, Racing NSW is NOT going into a dutch auction or any kind for that matter – they are using different criteria to determine who lands it.
Earlier this week Yulong Investments, who are close to Team Snowden’s camp, chose Redzel as their nominated runner for this year’s $14million The Everest set for Randwick in October.
While Aquis has Pierata, the TAB has Santa Ana Lane and Carmel Size Racing has her own horse Classique Legend.
Had Blue Point, who last month won 2 x Gr 1 sprints at the Royal Ascot meet, been kept in training, there would have been a nice juicy incentive to have him sent for The Everest too.
But he’s retired and so the local stars are left for the Blue Army.
Heavyweight The Everest slot holders: Chris Waller; the ATC and Coolmore stud have yet to choose a horse.