Pride bullish About defending The Everest champ

Joe Pride is seeing all the right signs to suggest that reigning Everest champion Think About It has his mojo back and he is looking forward to the horse proving it this spring.

The dual Group 1 winner had a disappointing autumn by his own lofty standards, finishing runner-up to Lady Laguna first-up in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m) before missing the placings in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) and Doncaster Mile (1600m).

A freshen-up for a hit-and-run raid on the Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) in Queensland didn’t yield the desired result either, Think About It lacking his usual zip and finishing midfield behind I Wish I Win.

On reflection, Pride believes there are a number of reasons Think About It failed to come up last campaign and he sees no reason the horse cannot turn things around.

“We all want to find a reason, but there are a few reasons,” Pride said.

“He had a really tough 2023 where he raced from January through to November and it just took its toll on him.

“He also had some horrible wet tracks, a big weight in the Doncaster, rides that didn’t quite get it right, bad barriers.

“It just wasn’t his time. I think he was trying his heart out, but it wasn’t there physically for him, and he couldn’t get himself back to that level.

“But I’m confident I will get him back to that level.”

Think About It returned to Pride’s stable last month to be readied for a defence of his Everest title.

In order to do that, he is going to need to produce on the racetrack, with Pride openly admitting there has been zero interest from slot holders so far.

“Nothing,” he said.

“But I’m not too worried. There is no rush.”

Pride is looking to follow the same path he took with Think About It last spring, nominating the Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 5 as the gelding’s likely campaign starting point, two weeks before the $20 million The Everest (1200m).