Everest Fever Getting Hotter

Australian trainers are beginning to think seriously now about The Everest with many charting a course for the inaugural A$10m race in October. One example is Kris Lees whose Le Romain (Aus) (Hard Spun) would be considered by many a lively candidate for the race. Already a three-time Group 1 winner including over the Everest course and distance when winning the G1 Canterbury BMW S. in March, Lees is hoping this proven course form will increase his chances of securing a berth for the race. Assuming this happens the trainer is already eyeing the G2 Missile S. Aug. 5 as a starting point for the 4-year-old with the gelding also scheduled to take in a barrier trial at Wyong on Wednesday. “I'll probably trial him twice before he resumes in the Missile,” Lees told Racing And Sports. When Le Romain was last seen in action he was beaten just a neck by Tivaci (Aus) (High Chaparral {Ire}) in the G1 All Aged S. over seven furlongs and Lees believes he has all the attributes to make a big impression in the Everest. “He excels at Randwick and handles both good and wet ground. Freshened up for the 1200 metres, I've got no doubt he would be very competitive in The Everest,” he added.

The Australian Turf Club hold one slot for The Everest which they held open for tender until last Friday and another horse whose connections have expressed a strong interest in this slot is Global Glamour (Aus) (Star Witness {Aus}). James Bester represents the ownership group, which comprises a number of prominent female members of the international bloodstock community and he feels the dual Group 1 winner's credentials are as solid as any other potential challenger. “Only four horses won multiple Group One races at 1600m or less last season – Winx, Black Heart Bart, Le Romain and Global Glamour. Of those, only Global Glamour and Le Romain won Group races over the course and distance of The Everest,” Bester said of the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained filly.