2019 The Everest Day Tips & Preview
Sunlight. Photo By Steve Hart.

2019 The Everest Day Tips & Preview

Let’s not get political about the whole NSW vs Victoria pissing contest that is taking place in Australian Racing at the moment and just focus on the fact that we have two quality days of racing shall we?

The $14 million The Everest is taking place again this year, taking the spotlight away from the time-honoured Caulfield Cup and we have a great day of racing ahead.

Here are my tips and preview for the entire card. 

Race 1: Vien Plate (1000m) 12:30pm
#1 Postcode

Postcode is one of only two horses in the opening event of the day that has been to the races before. He was cramped for toom in the Breeders Plate at Randwick on debut and there is an argument it cost him the win. He can go one better here with the race fitness and experience on his side. 

best bet
Race 2: Benchmark 78 Handicap (2000m) 1:05pm
#3 Angel Of Heaven

Angel Of Heaven is a high class mare who was mixing it with the best fillies in Queensland during the Winter. Her two runs so far this prep have been good and she gets out to a more suitable distance here. I’m suss on the quality of the other horses in this race and at the $4.00 I think this mare is a very good bet. 

Race 3: Highway Handicap (1100m) 1:40pm
#2 Burning Crown

I have a big opinion of November Man and this four-year old chestnut came within half a length of him last time out at Randwick. On exposed form he should be winning a race like this. 

each way
Race 4: Listed Reg Allen Quality (1400m) 2:15pm
#7 Special Snap

I loved the way this lightly raced filly ran through the line first up at Warwick Farm suggesting to me that the 1400m will benefit her greatly. She has drawn a tricky gate however there has been early support for her. 

Race 5: The Kosciuszko (1200m) 2:50pm
#1 Victorem

Victorem is the best horse in this race and if it was a true weight scale he would be carrying 67kg. He has a very good fresh record and will jump from a good gate. Hard to beat.

each way
Race 6: Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) 3:25pm
#2 Home Of The Brave & #5 Easy Eddie

Hard to knock Brutal’s first up win however Home Of The Brave kept finding right to the line. He should be ready to peak third up and seems overs to me.

Easy Eddie was beaten less than a length behind Trekking in the Hall Mark Stakes in the Autumn and usually takes a big step forward at his second run. Each way.

Race 7: The Everest (1200m) 4:15pm
#1 Santa Ana Lane & #9 Sunlight

Santa Ana Lane is a five time Group 1 winner and the best sprinter in the country. In my opinion there will be a lot of pace on up front in this race and this plays perfectly into his hands. Look for him late.

Sunlight is over the odds. She can sit just off a hot tempo and will be ready to pounce rounding the bend. Worth an each way play if Santa leaves his run too late. 

Race 8: Group 3 Craven Plate (2000m) 4:50pm
#1 Happy Clapper

Happy Clapper is without a win this prep however he has been racing consistently like always. He is always a risk at the 2000m but this ia race that lacked a lot of depth and his class should carry him a long way.. He was narrowly denied in this race last year and anything over $3.00 looks overs to me. 

each way
Race 9: St Leger Stakes (2600m) 5:30pm
#4 Sir Charles Road

This is a very difficult race to assess however I’m happy to be with Sir Charles Road at the double figures. He rises steeply in weight however he was very game in the Metropolitan. If he can settle a bit closer than some of these from a good draw, he will be right in the finish. 

Race 10: The Star Mile (1600m) 6:10pm
#11 Dealmaker

Dealmaker finally broke through for a much deserved win last start and I think the four-year old can put a couple together in a race of this quality. Would be a nice way to finish the day.