Headwall made a powerful statement at Randwick on Saturday, surging home to capture the Concorde Stakes and thrusting himself into contention for an Everest berth. Yet while his performance was outstanding, the gallant runner-up Lady Shenandoah may have stolen just as many headlines.

A consistent sprinter who finished last campaign with Group 1 placings, Headwall returned in peak order. Allowed to settle at the rear, he unleashed a trademark sprint down the outside to nab victory in one of the pivotal lead-ups to the $20 million Everest in October.

Trainer Matt Smith admitted relief afterwards, hopeful the performance would catch the eye of slot holders. “Hopefully someone will give us a call,” Smith said. “It’s always tough to get into the Everest, but his timing is spot on. Zac Lloyd produced him at the right moment and there’s still improvement in him.”

Headwall ($4.20) prevailed by a short head over Lady Shenandoah ($2.60 fav), who stormed home after being badly held up, while Ostraka ($31) boxed on gamely into third. Waller has chosen to campaign Lady Shenandoah as a sprinter this spring, and James McDonald felt she lost no admirers. “Gallant in defeat,” McDonald said. “You’ve got to be very happy with that.”

In betting updates, Headwall firmed from $34 to $26 for The Everest, while Lady Shenandoah tightened from $11 into $8. Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising remains a commanding $1.80 favourite. Meanwhile, All Aged Stakes hero Jimmysstar, already locked into an Everest slot, finished fifth at his first try over 1000m. Jockey Ethan Brown was upbeat: “He just hit a flat spot at the trip but his last fifty was excellent. He’s right on track.”