Defending champion Redzel will kick off his trek towards the 2018 $13m The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 13 when he resumes at Randwick on Saturday.
Redzel, above, is set to kick off his Everest 2018 defence in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.
Redzel will follow the same path that saw him win the inaugural running of The Everest last year when he aims for back to back wins in the Group 3 $160,000 Concorde Stakes (1000m) on Saturday.
The flying son of Snitzel has had two recent barrier trials in preparation for his return to the race track and co-trainer Peter Snowden was very happy with his two and a quarter lengths wins in a 1000m Rosehill trial on August 20.
“He had a good trial and he’s now ready for the races,” Snowden said.
“He was good at the finish when just asked to quicken that last furlong.”
“He’s had a nice little blow and that should see him come on nicely for his run in The Concorde Stakes.”
Redzel is raced by a large group of owners under the Triple Crown banner and Syndicate director Michael Ward said that it had been the plan for the six year old to defend his Everest title as soon as he scored a brilliant win last year.
Redzel raced in James Harron’s slot in his 2017 victory but was snapped up by slot holder Yulong Investments for this year’s assignment.
“I think from the day after Redzel won The Everest last year, we have been planning to get him to the race for this year,’’ Triple Crown Syndications’ Michael Ward told The Daily Telegraph.
“It’s exciting times knowing the race is only about seven weeks away. I know (trainers) Peter and Paul Snowden have been really happy with how well Redzel is coming up this preparation and we are looking forward to Saturday’s race.’’
Redzel is currently sharing the second line of betting at $5.50 with Vega Magic for The Everest 2018 at Ladbrokes.com.au who have Trapeze Artist as the $4.80 favourite.
Early betting for The Everest 2018 at Ladbrokes.com.au: $4.80 Trapeze Artist, $5.50 Redzel, Vega Magic, $7.50 Nature Strip, $12 In Her Time, Kementari, Invincible Star, Santa Ana Lane, $14 U S Navy Flag, Shoals, $16 Pierata, $21 Brave Smash, $26 English, $34 Happy Clapper, Winx, Kemono, $41 Jungle Cat, Le Romain, $61 or better the rest.
