Trainer Bjorn Baker is keeping a lid on Everest talk about his exciting colt Ozzmosis, but his owners are keen to run the undefeated three-year-old in the $20 million sprint if a slot holder comes calling.
That scenario is a step closer after Ozzmosis resumed with a devasting victory in Saturday’s Listed Heritage Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill, just hours after nominal favourite Giga Kick was scratched from the Everest with a campaign-ending muscle tear.
Darby Racing director and managing owner Scott Darby, who already has Overpass in the spring showpiece, said he would have no hesitation taking up an Everest slot with Ozzmosis.
“He is a very exciting horse,” Darby said.
“He has never been beaten in a gallop, trial, jumpout, nothing has ever gone past him.
“If a slot-holder contacted us, then this ownership group is very keen to be a part of The Everest.”
Baker was circumspect, saying while he would love Ozzmosis to join stablemate Overpass in The Everest 2023, he would only go down that path if he felt it was the best thing for the horse.
He believes what the colt has done so far is the tip of the iceberg and expects him to prove he is a serious sprinter over the ensuing 12 months.
“He’s always shown, from his first gallop, that he could be one out of the box,” Baker said.
“He’s just got a great attitude, he’s got a pedigree to match it, he’s got the right colours on – Darby racing, they just keep finding them – and he’s really exciting.”
Baker said he would let the dust settle on Saturday’s performance before making any decisions on Ozzmosis’ future.
The horse had been pencilled in to follow a traditional three-year-old sprinting path through the Roman Consul and Coolmore Stud Stakes.
“One step at a time. We’ll get him home and go from there. He’s only had three runs, it’s a big ask,” he said.
“It was never about today and it’s never about The Everest. It’s about doing the right thing.
“In the autumn he’ll be better again, and this time next year he will be a live Everest candidate.”
Ozzmosis ($3.10 Boombet) scored by 1-1/4 lengths over the fast-finishing Celestial Legend ($6.50) with Namesake ($16) third.