Waller is ready to smash the Everest
GROUP 1 winner Brave Smash will run for the Chris Waller stable in the $13 million The Everest in an agreement which means the country’s two leading trainers will join forces at Randwick.
Waller said he and owners Australian Bloodstock had reached an agreement to give the stable’s slot to the Darren Weir-trained sprinter who finished third in the inaugural running of The Everest in October last year when he represented the Australian Turf Club.
“The Everest has captured the attention of the entire world,” Waller said. “We are in a very fortunate position to hold a slot and be in a position to showcase the stable’s best sprinter when the time is right.
“However when the opportunity to have a horse of the calibre of Brave Smash represent the slot for my shareholders it was a straightforward decision.
“We have a horse who has been proven in the best company of sprinters since arriving in Australia a little over 12 months ago and I have a huge amount of respect for Australian Bloodstock who are industry leaders in targeting and importing tried international horses.”
A Listed winner in Japan, Brave Smash began his Australian career in August last year. Following a spell after his Everest third behind Redzel and Vega Magic, Brave Smash was given a Melbourne autumn campaign highlighted by his win in the Futurity Stakes and close second to Royal Ascot-bound Redkirk Warrior in the Newmarket Handicap.
“We feel that Brave Smash deserves another shot at the Everest,” Australian Bloodstock’s Jamie Lovett said.
“This year he is a Group 1 winner with form around the best sprinters in the world.
“Darren Weir was very keen to secure a slot early this year and target the race. To be given the opportunity to represent Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller and his partners in their slot is a huge thrill.”
Waller raced the Gerald Ryan-trained Deploy in last year’s race after he broke a few track records in the leadup to the revolutionary race. ■ WALLER will run Queensland Oaks winner Youngstar in this Saturday’s Group 1 $600,000 Queensland Derby (2200m) at Doomben.
Stablemate and Oaks runner-up Another Dollar won’t push on to the race however.