The colourful ownership group behind group 1-winning sprinter Overpass have offered Coolmore a chance to cash out of their slot for The Everest as the wait lingers for the final runner in the $20 million race.
Ram Racing, which has enjoyed a stunning ride with Bjorn Baker’s freewheeling sprinter, have approached global racing giant Coolmore about striking a deal to allow Overpass to run in the race, according to sources speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the private talks.
It’s the latest subplot to weeks of negotiations between slot-holders and owners, with 11 of the 12 runners confirmed for The Everest next Saturday.
While it was widely considered Coolmore would announce star three-year-old colt Storm Boy as its representative in the race, there has still been no confirmation as to who will complete the field.
With patchy weather expected in Sydney in the lead-up to The Everest, Coolmore has privately expressed concerns about Storm Boy’s ability to handle a wet or shifting track as they try to secure an elusive group 1 with the future stallion.
Switzerland, who like Storm Boy contested the Golden Slipper earlier this year, will have one last chance to impress in the Roman Consul Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday, and shapes as another option for Coolmore.
Connections of Overpass (left) are trying to secure the last spot in The Everest.Credit: Getty
But there has been significant interest from the majority West Australian-based ownership group of Overpass, who have made overtures about partially leasing the slot off Coolmore for this year’s race.
It would reduce Coolmore’s $700,000 liability for a slot if they’re not entirely confident in one of their own horses.
Overpass has proved among the best sprinters in the country by winning last year’s Winterbottom Stakes as well as the first two runnings of The Quokka, worth $5 million this year. He finished 10th in last year’s The Everest, but only four lengths behind the winner, Think About It.
Baker has had a deliberate plan to target Overpass for The Everest with his first-up run after two trials wins, but is yet to seal a position in the race.
Manikato Stakes winner Southport Tycoon also remains in the mix if Coolmore wants to look for an Everest representative outside their own ownership.
On Friday, Coolmore Australia boss Tom Magnier said they still had several options to mull. They can finalise their runner as late as Tuesday morning.
“We’re not in any hurry to make a decision,” he said. “We want to see what the weather does, what the weekend brings and talk to a few more people.”
Last year’s runner-up I Wish I Win remains at the top of betting for The Everest as a $5.50 chance with Sportsbet on Friday ahead of Manikato Stakes second placegetter Growing Empire ($6), one of three three-year-olds already confirmed for the race. Storm Boy could make it four.
Zac Lloyd is chasing a first win in The Everest aboard Stefi Magnetica after partnering Cylinder last year and insisted he couldn’t see why the Stradbroke winner was a $15 chance with bookmakers.
“I feel like she always is [under-rated in the market],” Lloyd said. “I thought I was on the best horse in the Stradbroke at the weights, and she jumped like 20-1 that day.
“I thought her first-up run was as good as any horse this preparation who is in [The Everest]. I Wish I Win, who is favourite, has had two OK runs. I think Stefi is definitely on par, if not better, especially with the trajectory she’s on in her career. Prices don’t matter as long as we cross the line first.”
