Briasa locked and loaded for The Everest

Brilliant TJ Smith Stakes winner Briasa is the second horse locked in for this year’s The Everest.

Briasa is confirmed for The Everest in October. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Brilliant TJ Smith Stakes winner Briasa, racing’s new ‘grey flash’, is the second horse locked in for this year’s $20m The Everest.

Hawkes Racing made the announcement at lunch time on Saturday with the gelding snapped up by slot holders Max Whitby, Steve McCann, Colin Madden and Neil Werrett.

Briasa confirmed himself as one of the most exciting sprinters in the country when the son of Smart Missile got the better of Overpass to prevail in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes on day one of The Championships.

“It’s very exciting obviously but it’s nice to get it done early so we can map out the best way to get him there to give us the best possible chance at the race,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes said.

“He’s still out in the paddock for a bit but we’ll work out when we get him back and he’ll guide us on the path we plot.

“He’ll have one or two runs into The Everest and he stay in Sydney and he’ll run in the lead ups.

“We just need to decide how many and which ones.”

Briasa’s rise into The Everest calculations has been sensational with the rising five-year-old only breaking his maiden in autumn last year.

He’s since put together seven wins from 10 starts and Hawkes, who trains in partnership with his father John and brother Wayne, believes his best could still be ahead of him.

Michael Hawkes. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

“He’s a young horse that’s still learning but he’s already got a TJ under his belt,” he said.

“Six months ago, he was in a benchmark 85 on the Kensington so to have come that far in such a short time only emphasises how exciting he is, and we still don’t know where his ceiling is.

“Every preparation he’s improved as a racehorse and there’s no reason why that won’t be the case again when he starts off his Everest campaign.”

Briasa is brilliant in the G1 T J Smith Stakes! He makes it 7 wins from just 9 starts as he races away for @HawkesRacing and @G1TySchil! 💨@aus_turf_club | @WorldPoolpic.twitter.com/ee1N0fCLm4

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 5, 2025

Unbeaten colt Private Harry was the first horse locked in for The Everest following his The Galaxy victory on Golden Slipper day.

The Nathan Doyle-trained sprinter was purchased by racing and breeding powerhouse Yulong after the win and will run in their slot in the race.

The Everest betting is dominated by Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising ($1.90 favourite) with plans for the David Hayes-trained sprint weapon still to be officially snapped up for the race.

Private Harry is the $6 second favourite with Briasa on the third line of betting at $8.

Originally published as Briasa locked and loaded for The Everest