Gai Waterhouse talks up Storm Boy for The Everest in Coolmore’s slot

Storm Boy will be kept to sprint races for the rest of his spring campaign, with a slot in The Everest becoming increasingly likely.

Gai Waterhouse is keen to run Storm Boy in The Everest. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Gai Waterhouse has confirmed the intention is to run brilliant three-year-old Storm Boy in Coolmore’s slot in the $20m The TAB Everest.

Racing’s first lady, speaking to News Corp from Flemington trackwork, said Storm Boy has come through his close fourth in the Golden Rose in good order and will come back in distance to 1200m for The Everest at Royal Randwick on October 19.

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“We put a lot of thought into The Everest and we feel it is the right race for Storm Boy,’’ Waterhouse said.

“The horse has come through the Golden Rose so well and he was only beaten a very short margin.

“He’s such a talented horse and he’s going to be suited at weight-for-age (53kg).’’

Coolmore’s Tom Magnier had flagged the idea of keeping Storm Boy to sprint races after he made a brave attempt to lead throughout in the Golden Rose, finishing about a half-length behind the winner, Godolphin’s Broadsiding.

Storm Boy, winner of the Magic Millions and a third placegetter in the Golden Slipper last season, will attempt to become the third three-year-old to win The Everest after the colt Yes Yes Yes (2019) and gelding Giga Kick in 2022.

With Storm Boy expected to be confirmed as an Everest starter, the final field for the world’s richest turf race is starting to take shape.

Storm Boy is expected to be a confirmed starter in The Everest. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

There are five confirmed starters in The Everest - I Wish I Win (slot-holder Trackside Media), Bella Nipotina (TAB), Joliestar (Chris Waller Racing), Stefi Magnetica (Newgate and GPI Racing) and I Am Me (Arrowfield and The Star) - after Bustling (Max Whitby, Neil Werrett, Col Madden) was withdrawn by co-trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr on Tuesday.

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Sunshine In Paris is considered a virtual lock for the Fairway Thoroughbred slot that is managed by the mare’s owner, John Camillieri.

In latest TAB fixed odds betting for The Everest, I Wish I Win remains favourite at $5 ahead of three-year-old Growing Empire ($6), Bella Nipotina ($7) and Giga Kick next at ($8), while Storm Boy is at $15.

There is also increasing speculation that Everest deals for Storm Boy’s stablemate, Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot, and Giga Kick are imminent.

Originally published as Gai Waterhouse talks up Storm Boy for The Everest in Coolmore’s slot