With The Everest less than two weeks away and the field very close to being finalised, this morning was likely the last time we see a few key contenders for the race at the trials or races.
Overpass, Mazu, In Secret and Buenos Noches are all confirmed runners while Shinzo could still take his place in the field, a big chance to run under his owner Coolmore’s slot if the Chris Waller stable are happy with his condition.
Mazu, who was confirmed for two years prior to finishing third in last year’s edition, was a late entry into the trial which also included likely Group 1 King Charles Stakes III (1600m) runners Fangirl and Think It Over after being scratched from Saturday’s Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) won by Think About It.
Peter & Paul Snowden weren’t sure what happened to Mazu at Randwick on Saturday that caused him to present ‘half a grade lame behind’ but believe he may have rolled over in his box.
“It was like everything was pulled back in line and he was fine by Sunday. The good thing is we haven’t had to treat him with any medication,” Peter Snowden told Newscorp.
The stable instead gave Mazu chiropractic treatment which he responded well to, allowing him to take his place in the trial.
Slot holder Triple Crown syndications posted on social media after the trial that they were “very pleased with Mazu’s trial this morning. All systems go for The Everest in just under 2 weeks.”
Sitting second behind Overpass, Mazu was given a strong hit out by Tommy Berry to get within 1-¼ lengths of the winner, who did look to be doing it under his own steam.
Shinzo snuck into third ahead of In Secret, Fangirl and Buenos Noches, all of whom were given relatively quiet trials, with Think It Over finishing out the back but not asked for an effort.