Switzerland or Storm Boy for the 2024 The Everest? Coolmore’s big call

It has been widely expected Coolmore will use their slot to select brilliant colt Storm Boy for the world’s richest turf race … but Switzerland could force a rethink if he wins Saturday’s Roman Consul Stakes.

Coolmore could make an 11th hour switch with their sprinter for the $20 million The TAB Everest next week.

Switzerland, which Coolmore part-owns, has suddenly emerged as a possible Everest contender if he can win the Group 2 $300,000 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

It has been widely expected Coolmore would use their slot to select brilliant colt Storm Boy for the world’s richest turf race.

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Hong Kong-based jockey Brenton Avdulla has been placed on standby to return to Sydney and ride Storm Boy in The Everest at Royal Randwick on October 19.

But Coolmore’s Everest slot is still vacant as the global racing and breeding giant is yet to officially confirm their starter for the world’s richest turf race.

“Switzerland could be in the mix,’’ Coolmore Australia supremo Tom Magnier said.

“But he would have to win well and not have a hard run. I know Chris (Waller, trainer) is very happy with the colt so we will see how he goes on Saturday.’’

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The classy Switzerland is at $6 in latest TAB Fixed Odds betting for the Roman Consul Stakes behind unbeaten filly Spirit Of Wealth at $3.50 and Golden Slipper runner-up Coleman at $3.70.

The superbly-bred Switzerland, a $1.5 million Inglis Easter Yearling Sale purchase last year, won his first three starts last season including the Group 2 Todman Stakes before finishing only eighth behind Lady of Camelot in the Golden Slipper.

Switzerland then resumed last month with a disappointing effort when unplaced in the Run To The Rose.

But Waller has freshened the three-year-old colt and he looked very sharp closing fast to finish a half-length third in a recent Rosehill barrier trial last week.

What a win!

Switzerland maintains his unbeaten record in the G2 Todman Stakes and is into the Golden Slipper for @cwallerracing and @mcacajamez!@aus_turf_clubpic.twitter.com/H1KHTGE0xw

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 9, 2024

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Switzerland has not exactly had an ideal Everest preparation so he would need to win the Roman Consul handsomely and pull up very well to be a realistic chance of backing up in The Everest.

What is also concerning Magnier is the weather forecast for rain most days next week leading into The Everest.

Storm Boy is extremely talented but is definitely superior on top of the ground.

“We don’t have to make up our minds until Tuesday morning,’’ Magnier said. “Let’s get through Saturday first.’’

If Storm Boy or Switzerland is selected as Coolmore’s Everest runner, it would bring the number of three-year-olds in the rich Randwick race to four with Growing Empire, Traffic Warden and Lady Of Camelot already safely in the field.

Originally published as Switzerland or Storm Boy for the 2024 The Everest? Coolmore’s big call