Climbing Everest

GODOLPHIN trainer James Cummings hasn’t ruled out a $13 million The Everest start for Kementari after the exciting galloper produced a pleasing barrier trial effort at Rosehill Gardens yesterday.

“The options are open when it comes to The Everest,’’ he said. “We talk about The Everest every week and he (Kementari) is our number one seed in the race if we go that way (but) we don’t have a slot so it is up to the interests of the remaining five slot-holders.’’

Even though Kementari is not in The Everest field, the boom galloper is already into $12 fourth favouritism behind Trapeze Artist ($4.50) and Redzel ($6) for the world’s richest turf race at The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 13.

But Kementari, winner of the Randwick Guineas earlier this year, can impress his claims for an Everest start when he resumes in the Group 2 $200,000 Missile Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on August 4. Cummings (pictured) liked what he saw from Kementari yesterday.

With Hugh Bowman in the saddle, Kementari missed the start and settled at the rear of the field in his 904m heat before cruising through under a tight hold from his rider to finish fifth behind the speedy Music Magnate in a 904m race.

“He went through the motions really nicely,’’ Cummings said.

“He was slow away but built through the trial, travelled sweetly and really strong through the line. It was just what I wanted to see.

“I can comfortably say that he will trial again in two week before he goes first-up in the Missile Stakes. I might then look at the (Group 1) Memsie Stakes as his second run.’’ Cummings was also impressed by Home Of The Brave.