Storm Boy is set to edge out Switzerland for the last spot in The Everest, with Coolmore leaning towards the high-priced stallion for its coveted slot.
According to sources speaking on the condition of anonymity because the deal was yet to be announced, Coolmore was favouring the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained sprinter over Switzerland, Saturday’s stunning Roman Consul Stakes winner.
Coolmore Australia boss Tom Magnier was weighing up the call on Monday morning as the global breeding and racing giant tries to win the $20 million race for the first time as a slotholder at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
The other 11 runners had already been confirmed for The Everest, with I Am Me being given the green light to start after galloping in front of stewards on Monday morning.
She bled from one nostril in a recent hitout and needed to have the approval of racing stewards to take her spot in The Everest.
But most interest had been about whether Storm Boy would take his spot in the race after a brilliant two-year-old season in which he won the Magic Millions.
Storm Boy leaves his rivals in his wake in the San Domenico Stakes back in August.Credit: Getty Images
Storm Boy was fourth in the Golden Rose last start – beaten less than a length by Broadsiding – and will drop back to 1200 metres as Coolmore chases the elusive group 1 with the future stallion prospect.
The Everest was last week announced as a group 1 race after years of wrangling between states over which races deserve elite status.
Storm Boy was a $15 chance with Sportsbet on Monday for The Everest.
Victorian-based I Wish I Win was a narrow $5.50 favourite from stablemates Growing Empire ($6) and Bella Nipotina ($6.50).
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