The Everest 2018: When, where, how to watch, main contenders and odds
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The Cambridgeshire and the Dewhurst dominate Saturday’s racing in the UK. But it’s The Everest which will be grabbing the headlines Down Under.
Want to know more about the race at Royal Randwick? Check out our guide below, complete with information on all of the key runners and riders.
What is it?
The Everest, otherwise known as the richest race on turf, is a weight-for-age contest held over 7f at Royal Randwick Racecourse in New South Wales.
It’s the richest race in Australia and the richest turf race in the world with a prize pot of $13m (£6.9m) – $3.4m of which goes to the winner.
Entries for the race have to be bought at a cost of $600,000 per slot, with 12 slots available. The slot holder can then race, lease, contract, share or sell their slot in the gate.
All of this year’s slots are taken up, with four reserves declared in the event of any late pullouts.
Although popular among racing fans, the race has garnered criticism in the build-up after organisers displayed the slot draw on the Sydney Opera House.
Who are the main contenders?
Redzel won this last year for Peter & Paul Snowden. The six-year-old is among the favourites once again after securing a plum draw.
He’s followed by Trapeze Artist, who will have to improve after finishing behind fellow contenders Shoals, In Her Time and Santa Ana Lane at Randwick last time.
The latter of that trio is in the form of her career after landing the Group 2 Premiere Stakes over course and distance a fortnight ago.
Britain and Ireland’s sole representation comes in the form of the Aidan O’Brien-saddled U S Navy Flag.
The three-year-old is a real danger over 6f, as he showed in the July Cup at Newmarket in the summer. The decision to send Ryan Moore to Australia should also inspire confidence.
Elsewhere, Vega Magic finished runner-up in this 12 months ago and was a neck-fourth to Humidor in Group 1 company recently.
Viddora, Graff, Brave Smash and Godolphin-owned Osborne Bulls make up the 12-runner field.
When is it on and where can I watch it?
Want to watch the race live? Then you’ll need to set your alarm clock.
UK viewers can catch the $13m extravaganza live on At The Races on Saturday 13th October, with the start time pencilled in for 6:15am (BST).
Click here for all The Everest odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
