Redzel steps up race for third Everest
DUAL Everest winner Redzel has stepped up his preparation for a third victory in the $14 million race with a dominant display in a barrier trial at Rosehill.
Wearing his race day blinkers yesterday, Redzel got down to business early and set a solid tempo with Nature Strip chasing him.
Nature Strip picked up the pace in the closing stages of the 1000m heat to run Redzel to half a length. The two were well clear of the rest with Beau Ideal almost four lengths third. Group One Champagne Stakes winner Castelvecchiowas a long last in the heat but trainer Richard Litt was unconcerned.
“I’m happy. He was there for a day out,” Litt told Sky Sports Radio. “He will have another trial in a couple of weeks at Warwickfarm. He had the ear muffs on today because he can be a handful.” In the second of two trials on the course proper, former West Australian mare Enticing Star was a comfortable winner after taking charge late to beat Night’s Watch by 1-1/4 lengths.
Enticing Star is now in the care of Chris Waller and will run for the trainer in the $14 million Everest on October 19.
Redzel ran a slick 58.10s for his heat compared to Enticing Star’s 1m01s and is scheduled to begin his campaign in the Concorde Stakes on September 7. Kerrin Mcevoy, who has ridden Redzel to his two Everest wins, is committed to the gelding for the Concorde Stakes but is also the regular partner of contenderclassique Legend who has missed a trial with a minor issue.