How The Everest will be run and won

Chris Waller runner Nature Strip should lead the field to the straight in The Everest. Picture: Getty Images

The early speed

The best six furlongs in racing are made even more enthralling by the barrier draw for the enigmatic Nature Strip. Waller’s powerful keen-going gelding gets barrier 12 of 12 and is the key to early tempo in the race, an electric speed expected if Tim Clark lets him roll across from out wide.

The on-pacers

The reigning champion Redzel will be right up on the pace too and he’s known for his toughness so it’s hard to rule him out, but perhaps the winner will come from behind him this year on what is expected to be a pretty fair and firm track.

Sunlight and In Her Time are both brave mares that can settle near the speed and fight to the end, a profile that is similar to the import Ten Sovereigns, who has plenty of stamina following his solid fifth in the Group I 2000 Guineas over the mile this year.

Stalking midfield

Arcadia Queen was impressive winning first-up for Waller and the first half of the race is the key for Sydney’s new star of the turf.

If she can find her rhythm against more powerful opposition, the long athletic mare could be the one to close over the top late.

It would be an incredible win given she’s almost definitely more effective over a mile or further.

Pierata (inside) and Yes Yes Yes (outside) will be stalking the pace too and charging at them late. The older Pierata has that extra toughness that will help him over the final 100 metres as many reach the end of their run.

The Swoopers

Santa Ana Lane holds the throne as the best sprinter in the country following his recent Group I wins in the TJ Smith and VRC Classic over the The Everest distance of 1200m.

The hot tempo upfront is ideal for him, but he draws a tricky gate on the inside and jockey Mark Zahra will be hoping for a touch of luck and a track pattern that lets him charge into it late.

Alizee will be stalking out the back too and she has the power to sprint up at the furlong, but sometimes Godolphin’s towering mare can peak on her run late, a perilous thought for supporters hoping she has the strength to climb to the peak.

Trekking found his way into the race through the Group II Schillaci at Caulfield last week and will be running on too but may lack the class to win.

Catch The Race Guide experts Mike Wood and Stuart Rich on Sky Thoroughbred Central on Foxtel Channel 528 every Thursday night where they presents Key Factors.