Shinzo still in $20m The Everest contention
Golden Slipper winner Shinzo will be given a crucial barrier trial test next week to determine whether he presses on to the $20 million The Everest.
The colt was found to be lame after his unplaced run behind Chris Waller-trained stablemate Militarize in the Golden Rose when he settled last from an awkward draw and made late headway to be beaten just over 2-1/2 lengths.
Tom Magnier, representing owners Coolmore, said Shinzo had genuine excuses first-up and if he trialled to the satisfaction of connections at Rosehill on Tuesday, he could still line up for them in the premier sprint on October 14.
“He will trial next Tuesday and we’ll make a decision then about the Everest,” Magnier told RSN radio.
“We didn’t get to see the real him last weekend.
“The barrier didn’t help, he was very far back. You learn from these things, maybe we should have had a run beforehand, I don’t know.
“But we accept where we’re at and Chris (Waller) is very confident this is a very, very special horse with a lot of ability so we will see how he goes on Tuesday.”
Two more Everest slots have been confirmed this week with In Secret announced as Godolphin’s representative and her barn mate and Golden Rose placegetter Cylinder snapped up by James Harron, who lost his original selection Giga Kick to injury.
Sunshine In Paris was ruled out of the feature on Tuesday due to a minor leg issue, putting her slot holders Aquis back on the lookout for a runner.
Magnier said Coolmore hadn’t finalised a Plan B should Shinzo fail to please them on Tuesday, but he was comfortable with their position.
“There are plenty of good horses out there to think about, but at the moment we’re still thinking about Shinzo so we haven’t gone past that,” he said.
Coolmore had some good news earlier this week, securing the purchase of John Singleton’s former Strawberry Hill Stud on the NSW Central Coast.
Magnier described the acquisition as “a world-class facility” that would complement their foundation Australian property in the Hunter Valley.
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...