Just 24 hours after it was confirmed that Bjorn Baker would have his first runner in The Everest, the trainer has doubled his hand.
Winter find Shades Of Rose was on Thursday confirmed to represent the slot held by Hong Kong-based Bon Ho, joining stablemate Overpass in the $15 million October sprint.
Ho is the owner of 2020 Everest winner Classique Legend and was hoping that horse would get to the race again this year, but he pulled up lame following his unplaced run in The Shorts and was spelled.
Baker said he was delighted that two of his horses had been chosen to take on the likes of reigning Everest titleholder Nature Strip and established sprinters Eduardo and Masked Crusader in this year’s renewal of the race.
“I am absolutely thrilled to train two TAB The Everest runners,” Baker said,
“After starting out with two horses at Warwick Farm 11 years ago, I am humbled to have two sprinters competing in one of the world’s great races.”
The Everest selection of Shades Of Rose caps an incredible and rapid rise for the mare, who made her race debut with victory in a Bathurst maiden in January.
She has won her past four starts in a row, culminating in her maiden black-type success in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on September 10.
While she will need to lift to another level again against the best sprinters in the land, Baker believes she is up to the challenge.
“After returning to work better than ever, I am confident that she has earned her place in The Everest and that her grit and will to win will shine through come race day,” Baker said.
Only two Everest slots remain vacant with Godolphin and James Harron Bloodstock yet to lock in their contenders.
