Coolmore declare Storm Boy as their runner in Saturday’s $20 million The Everest at Randwick

Coolmore Australia have declared which horse will represent the breeding goliath in Saturday’s The Everest at Randwick.

COOLMORE Australia supremo Tom Magnier described the decision to select Storm Boy over Switzerland for their slot in the $20 million The TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday as one of the toughest he has made in the sport.

Storm Boy had been Coolmore’s first option for The Everest until Switzerland’s brilliant win in the Roman Consul Stakes at Rosehill last Saturday.

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But after agonizing over the choice for nearly 48 hours, Coolmore supremo Tom Magnier decided to go with the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Storm Boy.

This was a huge call for Coolmore as both Storm Boy and Switzerland are chasing their first Group 1 win that would underline their value as potential stallion prospects.

Brenton Avdulla, now based in Hong Kong, will return to Sydney to pilot Storm Boy in The Everest.

“We have two outstanding three-year-olds and this was one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make in racing,’’ Magnier said.

Tom Magnier said making the call to select Storm Boy over Switzerland for The Everest was one of the toughest decisions in racing he’s had to make Picture: Justin Lloyd.

“Switzerland was so impressive last Saturday but in the end we felt the colt would benefit by having an extra week before the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington (November 2).

“Storm Boy has been trained for The Everest and I know Gai and Adrian are very confident they have the colt at his best for the race.

“It’s very exciting for everyone involved to have a good chance in The Everest.’’

Storm Boy’s inclusion in The Everest completes the elite 12-horse field for the world’s richest turf race. The highlights include:

#I Wish I Win is the $5 Everest favourite and could become the first horse to win the nation’s two richest races after his Golden Eagle success two years ago.

#Giga Kick, the 2022 The Everest winner, is attempting to become the second horse to win the race twice after Redzel in 2017-18.

#Private Eye is contesting his third The Everest after successive placings in 2022 (second) and 2023 (third).

#There are five mares and a filly in the field – Bella Nipotina, Sunshine In Paris, Joliestar, I Am Me, Stefi Magnetica and Lady Of Camelot.

#Four three-year-olds complete the field including the colts, Storm Boy, Growing Empire and Traffic Warden and the filly, Lady Of Camelot.

#Wagering operators will cease trading on The Everest from 10am Tuesday until after the Tuesday evening barrier draw reveal which will be shown live on Sky Thoroughbred Central (ch 528) from 8pm.

With Storm Boy’s selection, the Waterhouse-Bott stable now has two runners in The Everest after slot holders Go Bloodstock-James Harron selected Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot.

Bott said both three-year-olds are thriving ahead of The Everest on Saturday.

Golden Slipper winner Lady Of Camelot will take her place in The Everest on Saturday Picture: Bradley Photos

“The weather forecast is looking more favourable, the track should be good for Saturday and that will suit Storm Boy,’’ Bott said.

“Pretty much as soon as the Golden Rose was run (Storm Boy ran fourth to Broadsiding), Tom Magnier flagged the idea of going to The Everest.

“So, we have trained Storm Boy for the race. He has had a nice freshen up, the three weeks between runs has been ideal for him, it’s worked out really well.’’

Bott said Lady Of Camelot showed with her win the all-star barrier trial at Randwick last week that she is back to her brilliant best.

“She looks terrific, the best she has looked all preparation,’’ Bott said. “She looks to be going the right way.’’

Originally published as Coolmore declare Storm Boy as their runner in Saturday’s $20 million The Everest at Randwick