Everest ‘beats’ Slipper for colts
COOLMORE’S crack sprinter Yes Yes Yes will become racing’s $50 million colt if he wins The TAB Everest at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Trainer Chris Waller said The Everest had replaced the Golden Slipper as the nation’s most prestigious “stallionmaking” race and Yes Yes Yes’ value will soar if he can win the world’s richest turf race.
Yes Yes Yes, who is the only three-year-old in the field for the $14 million Everest, has firmed from $11 to $9 for the big race since Tuesday night’s barrier draw on Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Waller said Yes Yes Yes is ready to race competitively against some of the world’s best sprinters in The Everest.
“I would say The Everest is regarded as the race to win in terms of a stallion-making race,’’ Waller said.
“The Golden Slipper been that (race) up to now.
“Automatically, a colt is worth $30 million to $40 million minimum if it wins the Slipper, and if it has good breeding then $50 million.
“But if a three-year-old colt can beat the best sprinters in the land then it must put his value up above that as the Golden Slipper is only for twoyear-olds.’’ has
Waller has three starters in The Everest, including Arcadia Queen ($5) and Nature Strip ($23).
“It’s a privilege to have three horses in such a great race,’’ Waller said.
“The Everest is point around the world at the moment.’’
Sydney’s premier trainer said The Everest is changing Australian racing and creating interest in the sport with younger race fans.
“The Everest is bringing in a new era in racing,’’ he said.
“The race is creating a lot of attention with young people who are watching our sport and seeing what it is all about.”
Waller said The Everest is helping racing cement its premier sporting position between the months of October and November but chose his words carefully when asked to compare Sydney’s new race with the Melbourne Cup. a talking (racing)
“The Melbourne Cup is on the first Tuesday in November and that will never change,’’ he said.
“But I think in time The Everest will rival the Melbourne Cup. These are the races you want to win and be recognised for winning.
“If a trainer and jockey can win The Everest it will certainly promote their careers.’’
Waller said the quality of sprinters lining up in the world’s richest turf race was undeniable.
“The Everest has assembled the best sprinters in Australia, in fact the world with the horse coming out from Ireland (Ten Sovereigns), so it has that international quality.
“The great thing about The Everest is that most of the runners have had lead-up races.
“They are not hiding from each other either, they are meeting often and that creates interest.’’