October
FebruaryMounting a case
The Everest will be a massive success, drawing an international spotlight to Sydney’s spring carnival.
Godolphin could buy a few slots, while a couple of international studs may buy one each.
No individual horse owner will be able to afford a slot, but syndicates of local and international businesspeople could buy a slot then do a deal (for example, splitting the winnings) with owners of a fast horse.
The Sydney springtime slot is perfect. It forces owners of gun three-year-olds to consider campaigning as four-year-olds, instead of rushing off to stud.
Now for the VRC to apply the same Everest formula to an autumn carnival race.
Imagine a $10 million Australian Cup — it already has the name.
Such a plan would give 2000-metre horses a massive race, to match the sprinters’ Everest and the stayers’ Melbourne Cup.
Sydney wouldn’t mind either, as it might draw international horses to Australia, who would then compete in The Championships.
Wangaratta (Vic)