With $1.3 million in prize money on offer for the Kosciuszko, it’s not just the lucky sweepstake winners who are preparing for a big payday.
Andrew Clout, a member of the A S C T racing syndicate which own 10 per cent in the Cody Morgan-trained Anethole, says it is just as exciting for the regular ownership group.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the Kosciuszko
“Everyone talks about how great it is for the sweepstake slot winners, but it means just as much to the regular owners who are lucky enough to secure a run in the race,” Clout said.
“It gives us the chance to experience the big race build up and see what it’s like to have a runner on a day as huge as Everest day.
“For us, this is our Everest.”
A former Godolphin galloper and son of top stallion Exceed and Excel, Anethole comes into the race off an impressive first-up win at Tamworth on August 31 and Morgan has kept him ticking over with two trials over the past six weeks.
With 15 winners from his past 50 starters, Morgan has been the in-form stable in the NSW north west region.
Anethole is one of three runners for the Morgan camp, which is also saddling up the undefeated Ice In Vancouver and Ligulate in the feature race, which is restricted to country-trained horses.
Having paid just $3000 for their share in Anethole, Clout says the syndicate has big plans for Everest day win, lose or draw.
“We’ve already got a room booked in town for that night and we’ve decided the celebration will be huge regardless of the result,” Clout said.
“But if we were lucky enough to win, then the party will last a few days I reckon.
“I’m probably lucky that my boss is our syndicate manager, so I’m sure we could get away with an extra day or two off work.”
The Brett Cavanough-trained It’s Me is favourite for the event on the back of three wins to start her career, including two Randwick Highway victories.
