Newgate supremo Henry Field has selected proven sprinter Overpass for the $20m The TAB Everest next month.
Field told News Corp he believes it was a “sensible play” to secure Overpass for his slot in the world’s richest turf race at Royal Randwick on October 18.
“We know what we are going to get with Overpass,” Field said.
“He’s a top sprinter and if he runs to his mark in the TJ Smith Stakes earlier this year and the Sydney Stakes last spring then he will give us a good shout.
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“I was looking at the younger sprinters but the only three-year-old I feel could win an Everest is Tempted and she is most likely to go in the Godolphin slot.
“We kept coming back to Overpass because he is so reliable. In a difficult year, we are happy to be with him.”
Overpass, a dual Group 1 winner of more than $10.5m in stakes, will line up in his third The Everest after finishing sixth to Giga Kick in 2022 then 10th behind Think About It in 2023.
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The Bjorn Baker-trained Overpass wasn’t selected for The Everest last year but won the Sydney Stakes (1200m) the same day in slightly faster time than Bella Nipotina in The Everest.
Bjorn and Andrea Baker with Overpass before he contested the 2022 TAB Everest Picture: Richard Dobson
Trainer Bjorn Baker said he is hoping for “third time lucky” with Overpass in The Everest.
“We have learned over the years with Overpass that he is at his absolute best first-up from a spell,” Baker said.
“He showed that winning the Sydney Stakes last year and running a close second to Briasa in the TJ Smith Stakes in autumn.
“His preparation won’t change, we had him primed to be at his peak on October 18 anyway and it is exciting he has another chance in The Everest.”
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Baker said Overpass will have another barrier trial and possibly an exhibition gallop before The Everest.
Owner Scott Darby of Darby Racing said Overpass has been the “forgotten sprinter” in the build-up to The Everest.
“We have always thought Overpass deserved a spot in The Everest,” Darby said.
“When Henry Field rang me, he knew all about the horse and how effective he can be first-up over the Randwick 1200m.
“Overpass is going as well as ever and we certainly believe he will acquit himself well.”
Overpass becomes the seventh sprinter into The Everest field after Hong superstar Ka Ying Rising (slot-holder Hong Kong Jockey Club), Private Harry (Yulong), Briasa (Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Col Madden and Steve McCann), Jimmysstar (TAB). Joliestar (Chris Waller Racing) and Lady Shenandoah (Fairway Thoroughbreds).