Overpass is among the outsiders for the $20 million The Everest but trainer Bjorn Baker believes he is not only over the odds but capable of being a spoke in the wheel for Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising.
Baker’s gelding is a $51 chance and will be lining up at the Everest day meeting for the third year in succession having finished unplaced in the 2022 and 2023 editions before winning the Sydney Stakes (1200m) on the undercard last year.
In doing so, he ran quicker time than 2024 Everest winner Bella Nipotina and Baker says the fact Overpass arrives at Saturday’s renewal fresh is significant.
“I’m hoping for horse and trainer that experience helps,” Baker said.
“He’s fit. He is very good first-up and that’s the key. That’s something we have learned over time. His best record is after a break, at 1200, on a pretty good surface which we look to get on Saturday.
“He is way over the odds. I’m very happy with him. He had a good gallop on (Tuesday) and he’s bucking his brand off.”
Overpass is one of the speed runners and Baker has declared it their intention to lead or sit outside the leader.
Mazu and Ka Ying Rising also have natural pace from the gates which is set to create a genuine tempo.
The latter is an odds-on favourite to become the first Hong Kong-trained horse to win the world’s richest turf sprint and Baker admits it is hard to knock his record.
“He is rated the world’s best racehorse for a reason,” Baker said.
“He has run super times. He’s got a great win record, and he has taken all before him, so you have to respect him immensely. He adds much to the race.”
But as for who his money would be on? Baker is nothing, if not loyal.
“Will I be backing him? No. I’ll be backing Overpass each-way,” he said.
“I’m always happy to spoil the party. You’ve got to aim-up and you’ve got to back yourself.
“You’ve got to believe that you can do it and I’ve got a horse we know performs well fresh-up, at the trip, on a good track and I’m confident he can run well.”
Ka Ying Rising was a $1.70 favourite with betting sites after drawing gate seven at Tuesday night’s draw with Joliestar ($7), who came up with barrier five, the only other one of the 12 runners at single-figure odds.
