Gai Waterhouse’s Confidence in Storm Boy Ahead of The Everest
Australian racing legend Gai Waterhouse is gearing up for a thrilling showdown at Randwick this Saturday, where her multi-million dollar colt, Storm Boy, is set to compete in the prestigious $20 million The Everest. As the world’s richest race on turf, The Everest has become a focal point of the racing calendar, and Waterhouse is optimistic that Storm Boy can silence his critics and deliver her first victory in this high-stakes event.
The Everest: A Race Like No Other
This year marks a significant milestone for The Everest, as it will be classified as a Group 1 race for the first time in its seven-year history. The race has garnered immense attention, not just for its staggering prize money but also for its unique format, where slot-holders purchase positions in the race and select horses to fill them. With 10 of the 12 runners priced at $16 or shorter, the competition is fierce, making it one of the most open editions yet.
Storm Boy: A Rising Star
Storm Boy, a son of the renowned US Triple Crown-winning stallion Justify, made headlines last summer by winning his first four races. His impressive performances sparked a bidding war among Australia’s largest stud farms, ultimately leading to a lucrative deal with global powerhouse Coolmore. The agreement could escalate to a staggering $50 million if Storm Boy secures victories in key races, including The Everest.
However, his journey has not been without setbacks. After a promising start, Storm Boy faced challenges in the world’s richest two-year-old race, the $5 million Golden Slipper, where he finished third as the favorite. Since turning three, his form has been inconsistent, raising questions about his readiness for the upcoming challenge.
Recent Performances and Preparation
Storm Boy returned from a winter break with a dazzling victory in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill, showcasing his potential as a front-runner. Yet, his subsequent performances in The Run To The Rose (1200m) and the G1 Golden Rose (1400m) were less impressive, finishing third and fourth, respectively. This Saturday, he will face older horses for the first time, but he benefits from a lighter weight of 53kg under the race’s weight-for-age conditions.
Waterhouse remains steadfast in her belief that Storm Boy can excel in The Everest. Drawing an ideal barrier (5) for jockey Brenton Avdulla, she is confident that the colt will thrive at his preferred distance of 1200 meters. “He’s doing very well, he’s a champion colt, and he’ll be hard to beat,” Waterhouse stated, emphasizing that the unique dynamics of The Everest could play to Storm Boy’s strengths.
Waterhouse’s Aspirations
Despite her illustrious career, which includes victories in most of Australia’s major races, The Everest has eluded Waterhouse thus far. “It’s a race I’d love to win,” she expressed. “It’s a very high prizemoney race, and it’s quite remarkable. It’s earned a big place on the calendar in a short space of time.” Her determination to claim this title adds an extra layer of excitement to the race.
The Competition
While Storm Boy is a key contender, he faces stiff competition from other top sprinters. Leading the betting market is the seasoned gelding I Wish I Win, trained by Peter Moody and ridden by Luke Nolen, who previously trained the legendary Black Caviar. I Wish I Win, known for his finishing prowess, will be looking to avoid the traffic issues that hindered his performance last year.
The Unique Slot-Holding System
The Everest’s innovative slot-holding system has revolutionized the racing landscape. Various entities purchase slots for $700,000, then negotiate with horse owners to fill them, sharing the prize money. The winner of The Everest walks away with a remarkable $7 million, making it a lucrative opportunity for both trainers and owners alike.
As the excitement builds for The Everest, all eyes will be on Storm Boy and Gai Waterhouse. With a blend of hope, strategy, and the thrill of competition, this race promises to be a memorable chapter in Australian racing history.