Three Equal Favourites for the 2018 TAB Everest

The barrier draw for the 2018 TAB Everest has drawn plenty of attention over the past week, but even after it concluded, punters were left struggling to find a clear-cut favourite for this Saturday's $13million feature.

Three equal favourites for the 2018 TAB Everest

Three horses share favouritism following Tuesday's barrier draw for the 2018 TAB Everest, with the market set at $7.00 the field.

Despite a disappointing 5^th placing in the G2 Premiere Stakes at his most recent start, 2017 Everest winner Redzel firmed from $8.00 to $7.00 after drawing barrier 1.

This year’s G1 TJ Smith Stakes winner Trapeze Artist remained a $7.00 chance after drawing barrier 6 for trainer Gerald Ryan and jockey Tye Angland, while Vega Magic also remained unchanged at $7.00 having drawn barrier 7. Trainer David Hayes said it was a “perfect” draw for the 2017 runner-up.

Immediately following the barrier draw, the market was actually headed by four equal-favourites, with triple Group 1 winner Shoals originally backed from $8.00 to $7.00 after coming up with barrier 2. She’s since been pushed back out to $8.00.

Stablemate Santa Ana Lane has drawn awkwardly in barrier 9, which resulted in his price being pushed out from $7.00 to $8.50. The three-time Group 1 winner defeated four of his Everest rivals in winning the G2 Premiere Stakes last start.

Perhaps the best backed runner following the barrier draw has been the sole international runner, US Navy Flag. The Aiden O’Brien-trained Irish raider drew well in barrier 3 and immediately firmed from $11 to $9.00.

Brave Smash ran 3^rd in the 2017 Everest and has had a faultless preparation according to trainer Darren Weir. The Japanese import has drawn perfectly in barrier 4 with Hugh Bowman in the saddle and remains a $13 chance.

Emergency runner Osbourne Bulls was selected as the ATC runner following the withdrawal of stablemate Home Of The Brave, and he picked up barrier 5, which saw his price skimmed in from $21 to $18.

In Her Time ($9.00-$12), Viddora ($13-$16), Graff ($15-$17) and Le Romain ($17-$21) all drifted after drawing barriers 8, 12, 10 and 11 respectively.

TAB’s Glenn Munsie said the race was no clearer following the barrier draw.

“The race became no easier with the draw as there were no clear winners or losers and it’s up to the punters now to determine if there will be a clear-cut favourite for Saturday’s $13 Million race,” he said.

Punters should expect a wet Randwick track on Saturday with rain predicted on every day leading up to the race. The rail was in the 6m position for last year’s race and favoured runners on the inside part of the straight, but the rail moves to the True position for this year’s race.