The genius of the slot race concept is the level of speculation and discussion that the selection process generates. That ‘earned media’ impact has been a particularly effective aspect of The Everest.
As Matt Stewart wrote on The Straight a couple of weeks ago, The Everest is far from the originator of the concept, but it has certainly been the most effective execution of it globally.
If you compare the two highest profile races of the Australian spring, the build-up to The Everest and the anticipation as to the make-up of the field has quickly surpassed similar discussions around the Melbourne Cup.
Even in a year where most slotholders have sat on their hands, there is no clear top seed in the sprinting ranks and it is arguable that the depth is not as strong, the discussion over The Everest field has been fevered, especially in the past week.
The generates almost daily coverage, aligning nicely with Racing NSW’s strategy of utilising existing media to facilitate their message rather than try to do it themselves. While this cosy relationship between media and regulator might raise questions in a few areas, it works brilliantly when it comes to promoting races like The Everest.
Racing is an industry which thrives off whispers and rumours and The Everest has been able to tap into that. The concept of waiting until three or four days before a race to know the true make-up of an elite race field suddenly seems antiquated.
As mentioned, it has proven to be “moving week” for slotholders in the $20 million sprint.
Giga Kick and Lady of Camelot were locked in, while Storm Boy was anointed by Gai Waterhouse, but not confirmed by Coolmore. Bustling, perhaps surprisingly the first horse signed up back in June, is no longer in the mix.
It has been a week of whispers, driving speculation, which in turn, drives interest.
It started with a thrilling finale to the Manikato Stakes, with Southport Tycoon entering the Everest argument with a fast-finishing win, while three-year-old Growing Empire, seemingly a lock for Yulong’s slot, lost that hold after being run down in the final stages.
It is a game of such small margins, and seemingly different standards.
Twenty four hours later, Storm Boy was also run down in the Golden Rose, beaten by a more decisive three-quarters-of-a-length, albeit over a 1400 metres.
A couple of days later Gai Waterhouse had the valuable colt all but assured of Coolmore’s spot in the race. When Gai speaks, the racing world listens, especially journalists. The headlines flowed, “Storm Boy into The Everest”.
Matt Stewart
Only Coolmore isn't ready to pull the trigger quite yet and there remains a question mark over the Justify colt’s place in the race. That all adds to the interest.
The other global giant, Godolphin, is also keeping its powder dry. Golden Rose winner Broadsiding is headed to the Caulfield Guineas, with runner-up Traffic Warden seemingly in the box seat, but yet to be given the final stamp.
Lady Of Camelot has yet to put her best forward this campaign, but owner Sir Owen Glenn’s considerable resources, plus James Harron’s knack for a deal, has seen the Golden Slipper winner’s spot secured. That deal had been rumoured to be in the pipeline for a number of days, again feeding the media cycle.
Then came Giga Kick, the winner of The Everest two years ago, who has only had one start in the past 12 months, and whose performance in the Premiere Stakes will be closely scrutinised.
It was long rumoured that Giga Kick was in the prime position be the go-to horse for the ATC. The radio waves again sparkled before that arrangement was announced on Thursday.
Not everyone was on board. Joe Pride, the trainer of defending champion Think About It, who tackles Giga Kick on Saturday, posted about his displeasure with the ATC’s decision on social media.
“Giga Kick deserves his spot in The Everest. I didn't expect it would come from the ATC, paying stable rent and track fees for over 20 years obviously doesn't count for much. Saturday’s clash in the Premiere to decide a slot is a promoter’s dream but not for the ATC🤦” Pride wrote.
It’s another example of how the tension of The Everest selection process sets up the promotion of the race. Pride’s reaction now sets up a fascinating Premiere duel between The Everest’s past two champions, one which now has added spice.
"Giga Kick deserves his spot in The Everest. I didn't expect it would come from the ATC, paying stable rent and track fees for over 20 years obviously doesn't count for much." - Joe Pride
Giga Kick is favourite for the Premiere, Bella Nipotina, already in The Everest, is second pick and Think About It, third market choice.
‘Win and you’re in’ would have made it very interesting, but the ATC’s decision to ‘pick a side’ ahead of the race creates better headlines.
There is also an opportunity for Think About It to get his chance through Max Whitby, Colin Madden and Neil Werrett’s slot, which was vacated by Bustling this week.
Bren O’Brien
Those slotholders doubled down on their ownership investment of the former WA star and have been a little burned by their bullishness. But, as the last slotholder standing (apart from Yulong, Coolmore, Godolphin and John Camillieri who all have clear options with their own horses), they are in a strong negotiating position.
In its seven years of existence, The Everest has come to represent much more than a slot race. It has sat at the centre of Peter V’landys’ challenge to Victoria’s hold on the spring.
But, leaving that political dimension aside, taken purely as an opportunity to promote a race which showcases what Australia does best, breed and race sprinters, the format has worked a treat. Even with queries over the depth of this year’s field, it is the most anticipated race of the spring.
*A previous version of this article stated there was a connection between ATC chairman Peter McGauran and the owner of Giga Kick. We have been informed that because of this connection, the Chairman declared his conflict of interest from the outset and played no role in the decision to choose the horse for the ATC's Everest slot.
Everest slotholders and their selected horses:
