ATC seeks local horse in slot for Everest

THE ATC has given up finding an international runner for its Everest slot and has up to 10 local sprinters in its sights for the $ 13 million feature at Randwick on October 13.

If Wesley Ward sends Diamond Jubilee Stakes thirdplace getter Bound For Nowhere to Australia on July 19, as planned last week, he’ll do so with the knowledge the horse isn’t guaranteed a start.

Acting ATC chief executive James Heddo said the club had changed its tactics and would go for a local.

“He’s doing that off his own steam and we certainly haven’t committed to that horse as our Everest representative,” Heddo said.

“The July Cup meeting ( last Saturday) seems to be the cutoff point as to make a decision on whether to come ( to the Everest) or not and it does now look like our opportunities are closed internationally.

“Right now we’re exploring all of our options. Without pinpointing any there’s a few domestically that are quite appealing to the ATC.”

The ATC will have a board meeting next Monday and The Everest will be high on the agenda.

The decision to go after an Australian- based sprinter now raises the hopes for horses including Happy Clapper, Nature Strip, Menari, Le Romain and Pierata.

Heddo said the ATC was looking at roughly 10 Australian sprinters but wouldn’t release a short list of possible contenders, as it did last year.

“Everyone’s still learning and working out the best way ( to pick a horse) and it’s enthralling to be a part of it,” Heddo said. “We’ll have a close look at some of the opportunities domestically but we’re not rushing at this stage.”

The ATC was keen to secure an international runner this year, which would have come out of the Royal Ascot carnival or July Cup, which was won by US Navy Flag, who will race in Coolmore’s slot.

“We’d like to be a part of ensuring its global appeal and having US Navy Flag is outstanding for the race and we’d like to think that in years to come the big international stables will not only target The Everest but races like the St Leger and Craven Plate,” Heddo said.