A plan that has been months in the making has come to fruition for trainer Bjorn Baker following confirmation Overpass has become the seventh horse to secure a start in the $20 million The Everest.
Narrowly edged out by Private Eye first-up in the Shorts (1100m) last Saturday, Overpass’s connections this week closed out a deal with joint slot holders the Australian Turf Club and Western Australia’s RAM Racing Syndicate to secure the sprinter a coveted berth.
It will be the five-year-old’s second Everest appearance after he finished sixth to Giga Kick last year, although Baker feels Overpass is a much more seasoned racehorse this time around.
After claiming the scalps of highly regarded mares Amelia’s Jewel and Bella Nipotina in the inaugural The Quokka in April, Overpass split Everest slot holders Giga Kick and Mazu in the Doomben 10,000 in May and that’s when Baker began focusing on another Everest appearance.
“It’s very exciting. Last year he ran a very gallant sixth, this year we’re much better set up,” Baker said.
“The Everest has been the sole aim since he came second in the Doomben 10,000 and I’m confident we can give them a merry chase.”
ATC chairman Peter McGauran says he sees Overpass as a good fit for their slot, while he believes the club’s partnership with RAM Racing will help to grow the Everest brand across Australia.
“This partnership brings a wider national perspective and audience to the TAB Everest and RAM Racing’s enthusiasm for being a part of the race is significant,” McGauran said.
“We are also delighted to join with Overpass, our own Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker and (syndicating owners) Darby Racing, who have been long and loyal supports of Sydney racing.”
The first two across the line in the Shorts, Private Eye and Overpass, have now both wrapped up Everest starts.
They join reigning champion Giga Kick in the race, along with Think About It, Mazu, I Wish I Win and Sunshine In Paris with five slots still to be finalised.