For racing fans in Sydney, the Everest at Royal Randwick – now officially a Group 1 race – is the sporting equivalent of Christmas Day.
Worth a whopping $20million – including $7million in prizemoney alone to the winner – close to 50,000 people are tipped to burst through the gates on Saturday.
The race itself – a sprint over 1200m – is an open affair this year, with the Peter Moody trained I Wish I Win ($5.50) the early favourite ahead of Chris Waller’s Joliestar ($6).
James Cummings’ Traffic Warden ($8) – with Jamie Kah in the saddle – also looks hard to beat.
Here’s what you need to know about the Everest 2024 runners.
This year’s Everest field (barrier in brackets)
1. I Wish I Win (9)
Jockey: Luke Nolen
Trainers: Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman
Best Odds: $6
The low down: Outstanding sprinter who went close to winning this race last year and can launch at the field late. Pre-race favourite for a reason.
2. Giga Kick (3)
Jockey: Mark Zahra
Trainer: Clayton Douglas
Best Odds: $14
The low down: The 2022 Everest winner, elite hoop in Mark Zahra. Price looks juicy.
3. Private Eye (10)
Jockey: Jay Ford
Trainer: Joseph Pride
Best Odds: $26
The low down: Tricky barrier, prefer others.
Champion jockey James McDonald will be on board Joliestar in the Everest at Royal Randwick
The Group 1 race over 1200m is worth a whopping $20million – including $7million in prizemoney to the winner
4. Bella Nipotina (12)
Jockey: Craig Williams
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Best Odds: $8.50
The low down: One of Australia’s best sprinters, but the barrier is a huge concern. Prefer the place.
5. I Am Me (1)
Jockey: Nash Rawiller
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Best Odds: $17
The low down: Quality field is likely to see her outclassed.
6. Stefi Magnetica (6)
Jockey: Zac Lloyd
Trainer: Bjorn Baker
Best Odds: $14
The low down: On the rise mare, jockey also one to watch.
7. Sunshine In Paris (8)
Jockey: Tommy Berry
Trainers: Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald
Best Odds: $9
The low down: Should be in the mix late, commands serious respect.
8. Joliestar (4)
Jockey: James McDonald
Trainer: Chris Waller
Best Odds: $6
The low down: Looks hard to beat, especially with ‘J-Mac’ on board.
Royal Randwick sold out earlier this week, with more than 50,000 fans expected to make their way to the track (pictured, racegoers last month)
A day at Royal Randwick is guaranteed to provide plenty of colour (pictured, eager punters trackside)
9. Growing Empire (7)
Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Best Odds: $9
The low down: Talented colt and jockey Kerrin McEvoy loves the big occasion – he is a three-time Everest winner.
10. Traffic Warden (2)
Jockey: Jamie Kah
Trainer: James Cummings
Best Odds: $8
The low down: Ideal gate, strong preparation. Don’t dismiss.
11. Storm Boy (5)
Jockey: Brenton Avdulla
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott
Best Odds: $12
The low down: Inconsistent colt – but if he jumps well, could be hard to run down.
12. Lady Of Camelot (11)
Jockey: Rachel King
Trainer: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott
Best Odds: $41
The low down: Golden Slipper winner last year – and that is likely to remain her career highlight.
This is the coveted trophy owners and jockeys are competing for on Saturday at Royal Randwick
What is the start time?
Horses are expected to jump from the barriers at 4.15pm on Saturday afternoon AEDT, as the seventh race of a 10-strong card.
Where can I watch the Everest if I don’t have a ticket?
Channel 7 will screen the race on free-to-air TV, with coverage also on Sky Racing.
7 Plus is a streaming option.
How much does the winner get?
The total prizemoney for the Everest remains at $20million, retaining its spot as the world’s richest turf race.
The winner will take home a cool $7million, with $2.9million for the runner up and $2million for third. Those who place between 7th and 12th will receive $700,000 each.
The Everest: Past winners
2017 – Redzel
2018 – Redzel
2019 – Yes Yes Yes
2020 – Classique Legend
2021 – Nature Strip
2022 – Giga Kick
2023 – Think About It
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk