History says that the Aidan O’Brien trained US Navy Flag has a massive edge over his opponents in this Saturday’s $13m The Everest, that is, the success that overseas runners have had first or second up in Australia in recent times.
Imported gallopers have won some of the countries biggest races, last year’s Melbourne Cup for example taken out by Rekindling shortly after his arrival on Australian soil, with most punters finding it impossible to line up form. Though Group level staying races have been predominately dominated by overseas runners in present times, a host of current big names have been immediately effective on Aus turf, be it in a feature race or not over various distances.
Joining Rekindling, names such as Hartnell, Humidor, Brave Smash, Tosen Stardom, Plein Ciel, Redkirk Warrior and Who Shot Thebarman all spring to mind as well-renowned imports. US Navy Flag will be looking to join the exclusive list this weekend as the last start Group 1 winner will be hoping to climb the Everest in style.
Again difficult to line up form here, US Navy Flag was a winner in a time of 71.32 over the 6 furlongs on good going at Newmarket last start, accounting for Redkirk Warrior by 6 lengths in the process.
With 4 of his 5 wins coming over 1200, US Navy Flag has also been successful at the Curragh track, with Merchant Navy also recently winning over the track and distance. US Navy Flag recorded a 72.41 when winning there on soft going in July 2017, just outside Merchant Navy’s 71.82 on a good track in May this year.
It will be the second start abroad for US Navy Flag, running 10th of 12 runners at Del Mar over 1700m in November last year, beaten 29.75 lengths.
US Navy Flag is an $11 chance in The 2018 Everest betting with the TAB.
