MY CALL: WHO WILL MAKE THE FINAL FIELD FOR THE EVEREST? THERE IS STILL A LOT TO PLAY OUT

By David Fowler | Tuesday, August 11, 2020

David Fowler is the principal thoroughbred caller for Radio TAB. David, who is a keen form student and punter, has enjoyed a lifetime involvement in the racing media. His personal blog, ‘My Call’, appears exclusively on HRO.

The composition of this year’s The Everest field is an intriguing matter.

More so because two months out from the October 17 race only two of the 12 slots have been filled.

Nature Strip and Classique Legend are locked and loaded but it’s anyone’s guess who will stand alongside them when the barriers open.

The selection habits of the slot holders have gone through an evolving process even though the race’s history is extremely brief.

The “jump in quick before you miss out” philosophy has been overtaken by a more patient approach.

And that has been compounded by not only the retirement of several of our A-grade sprinters but also a batch of brash three-year-olds destined for stud careers.

So arguably the talent pool is less even before considering the potential impact the Covid-19 pandemic has on The Everest final field.

The fate of Victorian hopefuls like Loving Gaby and Santa Ana Lane rest on a relaxation of the current banning of horses from that state racing in New South Wales.

Good luck in trying to determine the twists and turns of Covid-19 story more than a day ahead.

And any potential overseas representation is a 100/1 and drifting.

I would suggest with some confidence that Bivouac, Gytrash and Alligator Blood will make The Everest cut.

Godolphin is a slot holder and they’ve made no secret of the fact that their own Bivouac is their preferred choice.

Bivouac has The Golden Rose and Newmarket already on his CV.

Yet the South Australian sprinter Gytrash is not far behind him credential-wise and, similarly to Bivouac, is being aimed specifically at The Everest.

It’s worth remembering in his most recent campaign he secured the Group One Lightning and was Group One placed in the Newmarket, William Reid and Goodwood.

It would be hard to find a rival sprinter in Australia with a comparable “rap sheet”.

While The Everest is first and foremost for that pair, it’s a slightly different story for Alligator Blood.

Understandably, the Golden Eagle and possibly the Cox Plate are the preferred options because there is no guarantee of an Everest slot at this stage.

Yet I doubt there is anyone who would argue that a fresh Alligator Blood would not make his present felt on Everest day.

A previous negotiation between Alligator Blood’s connections and a slot holder broke down but that’s not the end of the world.

Early season three-year-olds Farnan and Rothfire are strong Everest possibilities with a key proviso.

Both, particularly Farnan, had brilliant juvenile seasons but it is never a rolled gold guarantee that they take that form into their next term.

Many do, of course.

Their stocks of securing a slot are enhanced with Aquis being a shareholder in Farnan and mi-Runners already expressing an interest in Rothfire.

So, there’s a lot to play out.

Exciting times.

More articles