By Craig Kerry
Racing NSW has received three offers to take over the Everest slot Star Entertainment will relinquish amid its fight for survival.
It is believed the embattled Star Entertainment has indicated to Racing NSW that it will hand back its slot for the $20 million The Everest (1200m), held in October each year at Randwick.
Bella Nipotina (right) holds off Giga Kick (left) in The Everest last year.Credit: Getty Images
News of the move this week, and Star Entertainment’s failure to secure a $940 million lifeline from investment company Salter Brothers Capital to ensure its survival, has sparked interest in the Everest slot.
Racing NSW confirmed the news had resulted in interest from multiple parties. The governing body hasn’t reached out to any potential buyer.
Star Entertainment were among the original 12 slot-holders for the world’s richest race on turf when it launched in 2017, paying $600,000 a year for the spot in the then-$10 million event. That fee has risen to $700,000, while the race’s prizemoney now stands at $20 million.
Star struck its own deal to share the slot with Arrowfield Stud in 2021. Arrowfield is not believed to be among those making offers this week.
The Star casino in Sydney.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos
The available slot would command a higher fee given the interest the race has generated and the lack of opportunity to own a slot after Racing NSW gave original holders lifetime rights. Godolphin were the last to have the chance, winning a tender to take over the slot of convicted drug smuggler Damion Flower in 2019.
It is understood Racing NSW is yet to decide on the process to fill the vacancy.
Meanwhile, New Zealand Derby winner Willydoit and Chris Waller-trained filly Aeliana were dominating betting in the 18-horse $2 million Australian Derby at Randwick on Saturday.
TAB senior trader Tim Owens said on Friday the duo accounted for more than 80 per cent of its hold on the staying test for three-year-olds, including bets of $6000 at $3.80 on Aeliana and $3000 Willydoit at $4.20.
“Aeliana and Willydoit have both firmed in the market,” Owens said.
“There’s $3.80 into $2.90 for Aeliana and $4.60 to $3.70 for Willydoit. Basically, everything else has drifted.
“We thought when we priced the market, that it was a more open race. I think it probably will flatten out a little tomorrow. We’re certainly not ruling a line through other chances, like the horses on the backup and Shanwah.”
In the $4 million, 20-horse Doncaster Mile, Linebacker and Gringotts shared favouritism at $6.50 late on Friday.
“Linebacker looks the horse on the up in our mind, in a race of so many chances,” Owens said.
“Realistically, any one of those horses in single figures could go around favourite.
“I would say the biggest firm in the race has been Gringotts. That’s been $8 into $6.50, as well as Firestorm, $10 into $8.”
Joliestar ($3.90) and Wodeton ($3.20) had drifted slightly but remained favourites for the other group 1s, the TJ Smith and Sires Produce Stakes.
