Star pair’s sights on Everest

GODOLPHIN will consider starting a three-year-old colt in the $15 million The TAB Everest – but which one?

The James Cummingstrained trio of Anamoe, Paulele and Ingratiating are all in the Everest mix for the “Blue Army” with their next starts to determine which of the young sprinters could be lining up in the world’s richest turf race next month.

At Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, Anamoe is hot favourite at $2 to win the Group 1 $1 million Golden Rose (1400m) and Paulele is $2.80 favourite to win the Listed $160,000 Heritage Stakes (1100m). Ingratiating is due to have his next start in the Danehill Stakes at Flemington on October 2.

Vin Cox, managing director of Godolphin Australia, said the operation was not against going to The Everest with a three-year-old in their vacant slot.

“We would consider a colt but I don’t particularly see us running any more than one of our colts,’’ Cox said.

“It really comes down to what our appetite is to vary or deviate from the plan we have mapped out for all of them.’’

Cox refused to close the door on Anamoe going to The Everest although Godolphin’s main focus is the Golden Rose.

“My mother has always said ‘you never say never’ but I would say Anamoe is the least likely of our three-year-olds for The Everest,’’ Cox said.

“If you look at Paulele as opposed to say, Anamoe, then his pedigree tells you it is all speed and the Heritage over 1100m fits his racing profile.

“As was evident first-up in The Rosebud, he was absolutely lethal and we just want to get him back to that sort of form and see where he sits.

“Ingratiating was beaten fair and square last start but we have a few options up our sleeve in regard to him.’’