It's the fifth instalment of the $15 million The TAB Everest and this edition looks set to be the most competitive race yet.
SPORTbible Australia has gone over the field with a fine-tooth comb to find you all the good oil.
1) Nature Strip (10) 58.5kg
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Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: James McDonald
32 - 17:6:0 $8,204,685
One of the world's best sprinters who can sometimes be his own worst enemy by getting a bit too revved up in the run. Went too hard early in last year's version of this race and faded to finish seventh and the wide draw this year means he might do that again. He's second favourite in the betting but we're happy to leave him out.
2) Classique Legend (5) 58.5kg
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Trainer: Les Bridge
Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
13 - 6:2:2 $8,635,500
Last year's victor who is back on our shores after a failed Hong Kong venture. Jockey McEvoy has won this race three out of the four runnings and could buy a four-bedroom house in Bondi with that sort of jockey's percentage. Drawn perfectly in gate five and will be right there when the whips are cracking.
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3) Eduardo (7) 58.5kg
Trainer: Joe Pride
Jockey: Nash Rawiller
22 - 9:3:4 $2,896,900
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An out-and-out flying machine who looked very good winning The Shorts, one of the lead-up races to this. Got caught up in a speed battle with Nature Strip last year to fade and finish 11th and won't want to be doing that again. Can play a role in the finish.
4) Gytrash (1) 58.5kg
Trainer: Gordon Richards & Damien Moyle
Jockey: Jason Collett
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25 - 10:6:7 $3,288,755
Our top selection. Is as honest as they come only missing a drum twice in 25 career starts. Was a very good third in last year's edition and is drawn to get all the favours in transit from the inside alley. Jockey Collett will have to be at his top to navigate off the fence when it matters most but he has been riding in career-best form of late and can get the job done. Each-way all day.
5) Trekking (4) 58.5kg
Trainer: James Cummings
Jockey: Joshua Parr
38 - 10:6:6 $5,337,445
Is a model of consistency finishing in the top-five at his past nine outings, all at the highest level. Has a handy record over this track and trip with two wins and two placings from six attempts and did finish third in this race two years ago. Having finished fourth in last year's Everest, Trekking is definitely one for the multiples.
6) Masked Crusader (9) 58.5kg
Trainer: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes
Jockey: Tommy Berry
15 - 7:2:2 $1,478,275
One of the most exciting gallopers getting around with his last-to-first racing style. Due to that he usually needs a bit of luck to go his way but gets the services of good-guy jockey Tommy Berry to assist with the mission. Sure to be dropping on them late.
7) Wild Ruler (11) 58.5kg
Trainer: Peter & Paul Snowden
Jockey: Tim Clark
13 - 6:2:2 $2,168,125
Absolutely loves stepping out at Royal Randwick with four wins and a second from just five outings here. Drawn a bit sticky in gate 11 so will need a few things to go his way and we're looking to others for the winner.
8) The Inferno (12) 58.5kg
Trainer: Cliff Brown
Jockey: Regan Bayliss
12 - 9:2:0 $1,320,555
The wild-card of the race. Started his career in Singapore where he put together eight wins and a second from his first nine outings. Has since come to our shores despite Covid and hasn't been disgraced against some pretty handy company. Might find this lot a bit strong but a top-five effort wouldn't surprise.
9) Embracer (3) 58.5kg
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
Jockey: Jean Van Overmeire
19 - 6:5:3 $457,600
One of the paupers of the field who has 'only' won $457,600 in earnings. Was the last to get the call-up for this event which is not overly ideal and looks to be making up the numbers.
10) Lost And Running (2) 58.5kg
Trainer: John O'Shea
Jockey: Hugh Bowman
9 - 6:1:0 $249,100
Looked goooooone in The Shorts two starts back but returned to a semblance of form behind Masked Crusader last time out. Gets Hugh Bowman of Winx fame in the irons and is drawn to get some nice cover from gate two. Can earn some minor money.
11) Libertini (8) 56.5kg
Trainer: Anthony Cummings
Jockey: Sam Clipperton
14 - 5:1:4 $1,497,950
The only mare in the field who has held her own against the boys in the past. Hasn't raced since April but goes very well when fresh and has won four from seven over this course and distance. Maybe a place.
12) Home Affairs (6) 53kg
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: Glen Boss
5 - 2:1:1 $341,100
Being a three-year-old he is the baby of the field, but don't hold that against this youngster. Was super impressive when a dominant winner last start leading from pillar to post. Won't get it all his own way in front this time but looks the horse with the most upside. Can show up with the light weight.
TIPS:
1st: GYTRASH
2nd: CLASSIQUE LEGEND
3rd: MASKED CRUSADER
4th: HOME AFFAIRS
Featured Image Credit: TABTopics:Β Odds, Betting, Horse Racing, Australia
