Trainer Bjorn Baker says Overpass’ brilliant trial win shows he’s ‘going better than ever’ ahead of 2024 The Everest

Trainer Bjorn Baker will roll the dice by not starting Overpass ahead of next month’s The Everest, banking on today’s brilliant trial win and his outstanding fresh form to secure a slot.

Overpass clears away to defend his The Quokka crown Picture: Western Racepix

Trainer Bjorn Baker is prepared to take the gamble and not start brilliant sprinter Overpass before Everest Day.

Baker is relying on Overpass’ obvious big-race ability and his proven reputation as a first-up specialist to secure a start in the $20 million The TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 19.

There are still at least eight slots open for the world’s richest turf race and Baker is sticking to his strategy of not starting Overpass before The Everest.

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The winner of successive The Quokkas as well as the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes and nearly $8 million prizemoney, Overpass impressed in his first barrier trial hitout of the spring at Rosehill on Monday when he led throughout under Josh Parr to win his 900m heat by three lengths from Passeggiata in a fast 54.8s.

“I think Overpass is going better than ever,’’ Baker said.

“He looks amazing and I think we’re in for a really good spring with him. I think he’s ready to go to another level.

“Whether we can get him into the Everest or not we have to wait and see but we have Sydney Stakes there on same day.

“Because he goes so well fresh, we won’t run him before October 19. He will probably have another barrier trial and maybe exhibition gallop and then he will be ready to go first-up on Everest Day.’’

1⃣ Overpass
2⃣ Passeggiata
3⃣ Pretty Sassy

A slick trial from the @BBakerRacing sprinter at Rosehill on Monday, leading all the way over the 900m with @JoshuaParr8 in the saddle. @tabcomaupic.twitter.com/pSRUYA4jWA

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) September 15, 2024

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The Peter Snowden-trained Bodyguard created a huge impression when he won the opening Rosehill trial by more than six lengths, recording 1m2.81s for the 1030m.

Owned by James Harron, Bodyguard won the Maribyrnong Trial and Blue Diamond Prelude at his first two starts last season but had a setback before his unplaced run in Lady Of Camelot’s Golden Slipper.

But the talented Bodyguard still has time to make a late bid for an Everest start as Harron holds a vacant slot after his number one contender, Espionage, suffered a minor injury in training and was sent for a spell.

Baker also has Everest ambitions for Stradbroke Handicap winner Stefi Magnetica who is among 16 entries for the Group 2 $1 million The Shorts (1100m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Connections of Stefi Magnetica are mulling over a surprise move to kick off the Stradbroke Handicap winner this Saturday – a fortnight earlier than originally planned – as they begin their path to the Golden Eagle. 👇https://t.co/Cxe7GeC90b

— Racenet (@RacenetTweets) September 15, 2024

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Trainer Ciaron Maher has entered his outstanding mares I Am Me and Bella Nipotina after they ran 1-2 in the Concorde Stakes earlier this month, along with their stablemate Estriella.

I Am Me is almost certain to take her place in The Shorts field but Maher may keep Everest hopeful Bella Nipotina for the Group 2 $1 million Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 5.

The Joe Pride-trained Private Eye will be attempting to become the first dual winner of The Shorts in nearly 50 years. King’s Favourite was the last to win two The Shorts in 1976-77.

Originally published as Trainer Bjorn Baker says Overpass’ brilliant trial win shows he’s ‘going better than ever’ ahead of 2024 The Everest