Sunlight due for a decent draw
same limb in which he suffered the abscess last year, was “never 100 per cent”.
“I’m in touch with our vet, sending him videos, and he says ‘drive on’, so we’re driving on,” he said.
Dunlop is yet to secure a jockey for Red Verdon.
“The texts are coming through at the moment but that is up to (owner) Mr TRAINER Tony McEvoy wants the “shortest way home” for Sunlight when the barriers are drawn for the $14 million The TAB Everest tonight.
“I’d like gate 1,’’ McEvoy said when pressed for his preferred starting position.
“Sunlight has drawn horribly her last four runs and is due to get a good barrier.’’
The all-important draw will be beamed on to the arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge from 8pm tonight.
McEvoy said a “soft” barrier is crucial for Sunlight’s winning chances at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
The elite 12-horse Everest (Ronald) Arculli and the trainer,’’ he said. “I believe Pat Cosgrave is available.”
Cosgrave, who won last year’s Cup on Best Solution, is likely to be sidelined for this field includes 10 individual Group 1 winners and two Group 2 winners, with these sprinters having already collectively earned a staggering $42.19 million prizemoney.
Sunlight, herself a threetime Group 1 winner of $4.6 million, goes into The Everest after defeating Santa Ana Lane in the Gilgai Stakes (1200m) at Flemington. But Sunlight is at generous odds of $13 in early betting behind $4.60 favourite Santa Ana Lane.
The brilliant Victorian duo have returned to Randwick with the Anthony Freedmantrained Santa Ana Lane due to have a solid piece of work this morning but McEvoy is content with Sunlight’s prepseason’s feature unless veteran Red Galileo can sneak a start. The Irishman will partner Royal Meeting in the Listed Gothic Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield aration. Sunlight has had three lead-up runs into The Everest, her form improving with every start this spring. “She was stiff not to win the Moir and then she won the Gilgai,’’ said McEvoy.
“The trip back to Sydney was no issue, she has settled in like she never left. She gets very stimulated by galloping and travelling, she loves it. She is certainly the best I’ve trained. This mare is a marvel because of her honesty, resilience, tenacity and soundness.’’
Trainer Greg Hickman and jockey Tommy Berry combine with Pierata and both men have similar views about what barrier would best suit the horse. “I’m hoping for inside seven,’’ Hickman said. “He should get the run of the race from that barrier.’’
Berry said with noted speedsters like Redzel, Nature Strip, Sunlight and Ten Sovereigns in the field, this Everest should be run at a genuine tempo.
Tim Clark was confirmed as the rider of the Chris Wallertrained Nature Strip. Waller also has Arcadia Queen and Yes Yes Yes in The Everest.
Clark rode Nature Strip for the first time at Rosehill trackwork yesterday morning and was impressed.
“Nature Strip did a bit of work, it was his main gallop for the week,’’ Clark said.
“He’s an interesting horse.”