The withdrawal of Private Harry from The Everest has left Yulong with few options for its slot, with a logical replacement runner unlikely to contest the race.
Charm Stone, the winner of the Manikato Stakes, who recently had a 10 per cent share in her purchased by Yulong, looked a straightforward alternative when its long-time first choice Private Harry was ruled out.
But The Straight understands the plans are to aim Charm Stone at the Champions Sprint on the final day of the Flemington carnival, and that a switch to target The Everest is highly unlikely.
The challenge for Yulong is that it remains without a standout choice for the race. There are no clear candidates from the huge selection of horses it owns.
The highest-placed horse in the market owned by someone else and not selected for a slot is Beiwacht, but Godolphin said this week the Golden Rose-winning colt was headed to the Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Epsom Handicap winner Autumn Glow is also listed at $13 in the markets but is similarly unlikely to run, given plans to contest the Golden Eagle.
Godolphin chose the filly Tempted for its slot, while War Machine was snapped up for Coolmore and Jedibeel for Mulberry Racing earlier this week.
Yulong’s options for its Everest slot appear to be thin, with Marhoona, Reserve Bank, Generosity and Beadman all included at under $34 in all-in markets but all also unlikely to run.
The Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday could provide a late guide. Among the key entries there are 2022 Everest winner Giga Kick along with Niance, Group 1 winner Benedetta and emerging four-year-old Tropicus.
While there are just seven days between that race at The Everest, the Schillaci was once a selection race for the Melbourne Racing Club’s Everest slot. Trekking ran third in the 2019 Everest after winning the Schillaci.
Yulong-owned pair Angel Capital and Magic Time will both contest the race for James Harron and Inglis respectively.
