Redzel rockets into reckoning for third Everest after scoring all-the-way win in Concorde Stakes

An Everest three-peat is back in the reckoning after Redzel silenced the doubters when he scorched over the Royal Randwick 1000m course to win his third successive Concorde Stakes.

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This was the Redzel of old — fast, brave and determined.

Redzel silenced the doubters who felt the gelding was past his prime when he scorched over the Royal Randwick 1000m course to win his third successive Group 3 $160,000 Concorde Stakes.

The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Redzel proved he is still one of the nation’s elite short-course sprinters and suddenly within touching distance of an extraordinary three-peat in the $14 million The TAB Everest (1200m) next month.

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Redzel (left) held off the fast-finishing Pierata to win his third Concorde Stakes. Picture: Getty Images

But the Redzel camp aren’t the only ones dreaming of reaching the Everest summit with the first-up efforts of runner-up Pierata and minor placegetter Graff also producing encouraging returns.

Redzel used the Concorde to launch his successful The Everest’s wins in 2017 and 2018. His winning time on Saturday of 56.28s compares favourably to the 56.23s in his first Concorde win and the 56.19s he recorded last year.

“We know he’s back,’’ trainer Peter Snowden said.

''HE'S MAKING THAT RACE HIS OWN'' - @KPMcEvoy put his faith in #TheTABEverest champion Redzel, and @SnowdenRacing1 can't hide their excitement after a third Concorde Stakes win @royalrandwick today @bernadetecooper. pic.twitter.com/abZQmZPUdB

— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 7, 2019

“It was good to see him run so well. I felt before the race he didn’t have to win but we wanted to see that intent from him, the good gate speed and fighting hard at the finish.

“His work has been great and he has been moving freely so we were quietly confident he would run well. I said to Kerrin this is only 1000m, this is his go so let him run. He’s run 56s and change so they weren’t mucking around.

“But we are a long way off where we want to be with this horse. Now it is a matter of getting him fit and screwing him down for the big day.’’

Redzel ($7) led throughout and held off the fast-finishing Pierata ($8) to win by a long head with the unlucky Graff ($9.50) only three-quarters of a length away third.

There was less than five lengths between first and last in the six-horse field with Nature Strip (fourth) beating himself by over-racing, Sunlight will be improved with the run and the previously unbeaten Zoustyle wasn’t disgraced, running 57.07s and still finishing last.

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy produced a cool ride on Redzel. Picture: AAP

McEvoy, Redzel’s regular rider, warned the seven-year-old speedster can only get better with racing this spring.

“He had his doubters after the autumn but it is great to see him come back and do that first-up,’’ McEvoy said.

“He’s making this little race his own, that’s his third one. There’s a lot of time between now and the Everest and there is plenty of improvement in him, so really looking forward to seeing how he progresses.”

Redzel was so impressive he firmed from $15 into $7 equal second favouritism alongside Pierata and Osborne Bulls for The Everest on October 19. Santa Ana Lane remains the $5 favourite.

Pierata settled last in the small field then unleashed a tremendous late surge to claim second, recording a scarcely believable 31.61s for the final 600m sectional.

Redzel’s owners were in full voice at Royal Randwick. Picture: Getty Images

“You’ve just got to watch the race to see how well he went,’’ Pierata’s jockey Tommy Berry said.

“He’s come back in much better order this preparation, we’ve been saying he’s bigger, he’s stronger, he’s better. I think that showed it today. He’s on the right track and very excited about the rest of his spring.”

Graff’s trainer Kris Lees said his sprinter will go to The Shorts in two weeks to press his claims for an Everest slot.

“He didn’t have a lot of room in the straight, there as a bit of buffeting,’’ Lees said.

“When he did get out he dashed the probably levelled out the last 50m but he has come back as good as we though he had.

“He will go to The Shorts in two weeks and In Her Time will probably go there, too.’’

Originally published as Redzel rockets into reckoning for third Everest after scoring all-the-way win in Concorde Stakes