There has been mixed fortunes for the fancied runners at the all-important barrier draw for The Everest, which has taken place atop Sydney Tower against a spectacular city skyline backdrop.
Classique Legend retained his place at the top of markets at $4.50 after coming up with barrier six at Tuesday night’s draw.
He will start immediately outside multiple Group One winner Nature Strip, who firmed from $6 into $5 with TAB fixed odds after drawing gate five.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the Everest
However, the news was not as kind for Libertini, who came up with the outside barrier in the 12-horse field.
Slot holder James Harron said the wide gate had made it tougher for the Anthony Cummings-trained mare.
“I’m slightly deflated after that draw,” Harron said.
“But she is quite a dynamic filly and she can come from off the pace.
“All is not lost.”
South Australian raider Gytrash will jump from a midfield draw in seven and trainer Gordon Richards says that will give jockey Jason Collett the opportunity to find a good position in the run.
“Number seven, barrier seven. I can handle that,” Richards said.
“Jason will be able to pick where he is from there and there’s a bit of pace inside of him.”
Dollar For Dollar was the last horse to secure a spot in the race as a late replacement for Farnan, who was withdrawn on Monday following an interrupted preparation.
The Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained veteran drew the inside gate.
The full field and barrier draw for the $15 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday:
1. Nature Strip (5)
2. Trekking (4)
3. Classique Legend (6)
4. Santa Ana Lane (8)
5. Behemoth (2)
6. Bivouac (10)
7. Gytrash (7)
8. Eduardo (9)
9. Dollar For Dollar (1)
10. Tofane (11)
11. Libertini (12)
12. Haut Brion Her (3)
