g1 previews

The Everest
Author: Early Bird
Randwick - Race 7

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*Not the greatest field we have seen assembled for our richest sprint race in Australia. Rain seemingly missed Randwick leading into this so hopeful of a drying track that plays fair.

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CAN WIN:

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MASKED CRUSADER: Always been a frustrating get back and run on horse which makes his winning percentage poor but I really think he is a massive hope here. Has scorched the clock last 600m both runs back this prep and just missed in the race last year. Should be plenty of pace on and if he can stay in same post code early he will give a lot of these windburn in straight. Think he going very well just needs Willy to take some shortcuts and find clear air at right time.

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NATURE STRIP: The World's Best Sprinter has returned from the UK clearly in fine order and a deserved short favourite. Will I be backing him at $2? No. Could he just blow them away? Yes. Apparently this preparation is a bit different but strange for him to come to the race second up which is when he has been most vulnerable historically. Last prep Shelby Sixtysix did run straight past him and Eduardo has safely held him 2nd up last few preparations. A few saying barrier is no issue but with lots of speed horses inside and J Mac wanting to sit outside Eduardo he may end up doing some work. I think the two above can turn the tables from last year if he doesn't get a perfect run in transit...

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PRIVATE EYE: Gee that win fresh down the Flemington straight was a sight to behold. Targeting the sprint races this time out and looks like they have pulled the right string off back of that big win albeit in lesser company. Handles all conditions and should get a dream run in behind the speed horses. Looks juicy each way odds, think he'll run a beauty.

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VALUE FOR EXOTICS:

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MAZU: Looked the danger to NS most of the year after putting 6 on the trot together over last two preps. First two runs this campaign haven't quite backed up the spruik but this is obviously the target race. Barrier not overly kind but plenty of speed inside should be able to get a nice cart across and find cover. He looks big odds now and can definitely run a place but not sure he can overturn the Lost And Running defeat so have left him out of the winning hopes.

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GIGA KICK: May well run last but a 3yo has sometimes run a cracker in this race and I'm taking on Jacquinot so leaves us with this undefeated gelding. 4/4 and gutsy winner first up. Should come on a lot from the run and great for a young trainer to get a runner in such a race. Untapped and can add some value to first four.

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CAN'T WIN:

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OVERPASS: Best is on dry tracks and whilst competitive first few this prep he is still multiple lengths off the top tier. Beat home Lost & Running fresh but that result will be overturned here.

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EDUARDO: Has got Nature done on multiple occasions but going to risk him on the thought that at 9 years old his best is behind him. Looks a likely leader here but may cop some pressure and after folding up last time out I find it hard to see him holding the finishers at bay here.

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JACQUINOT: Got him right in the Golden Rose but going to risk him here with the drop back to 1200m. The GR win was electrifying but could end up well back here and run out of time coming back in trip to reel the seasoned sprinters in.

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SHADES OF ROSE: On a nice little winning run this prep but the form doesn't read well enough to pose a threat here. Did look a little tired late when nearly run down last time out. Freshened leading in but looks well out of depth.

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INGRATIATING: Strange selection by Godolphin but seemingly a last horse standing scenario with Paulele set for the Manikato. Handled the wet track nicely first up but this is a major level above. Can finish first half of field if they are making ground but not a winning threat.

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JOYFUL FORTUNE: Goodluck to connections but this would be a training masterclass to pull this off coming from a benchmark race on Aussie debut