Almandin Oliver’s top pick

DAMIEN Oliver’s commitment to Melbourne Cup favourite Almandin has resulted in him giving up his mount in The Everest.

Oliver has preferred to ride Almandin in the $400,000 Herbert Power Handicap (2400m) in preference to riding Vega Magic in the $10 million The Everest at Randwick on October 14.

He said he did not want to risk losing the mount in the Melbourne Cup.

He has had three rides on Almandin for three wins but could not make the weight to ride him in last year’s Melbourne Cup.

Owner Lloyd Williams guaranteed Oliver the ride in this year’s Cup after the pair combined to win the JRA Trophy at Flemington.

The jockey is seeking to win his fourth Melbourne Cup, which would have him equal Harry White and Bobbie Lewis as the record holder.

Craig Williams will ride Vega Magic for David Hayes.

Hayes said Vega Magic and Redkirk Warrior were guaranteed starts in The Everest.

He suggested Oliver had not done his sums as he said the winning jockey’s percentage for winning the Herbert Power and the Melbourne Cup would still fall short of what he would gain for winning The Everest.

He said the first prize for the Everest was $6 million and the other two races came to $4 million. SUPERSTAR Winx has arrived in Melbourne as she prepares for tomorrow week’s Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington where she will try to take her winning sequence to 21.

“Winx has arrived safely in Melbourne and will have a quiet few days to settle back into familiar surroundings,” trainer Chris Waller said.