MISSILE MATCH-UP CARRIES EVEREST AMBITIONS
THERE has never been more riding on a $200,000 Group 2 race, and tomorrow’s Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick is being treated like a semifinal to The Everest.
The two leading contenders are Magic Millions 3YO Guineas winner Pierata and Randwick Guineas champion Kementari.
The Missile Stakes is stacked with proven Group 1 performers and for the winner, a chance to get a start in the $13 million Everest in October rises dramatically.
Pierata’s trainer Gregory Hickman said The Everest was now the best race in Australia and tomorrow’s Missile Stakes will play a huge role in the final make-up of the 12horse field.
There’s only three slots remaining following the withdrawal of Menari on Wednesday due to injury, meaning there’s never been a better time to strike.
“To win an Everest you’ve got to be able to run 1:08 so it will be interesting to see what times they run on Saturday,” Hickman said.
“He’s right up there with the best I’ve had and if he comes out this preparation and does what I think he can do, he’ll be the best horse I’ve ever trained.”
The Pierro four-year-old has satisfied Hickman in his two lead-up trials over 800m and this is the preparation where he’ll know just how good he is.
Hickman believes Pierata’s best racing days are ahead and is hoping he can reverse the results of his second-placed finishes at his last two autumn starts to Kementari in the Hobartville Stakes and Randwick Guineas.