The Everest 2024: Runner-by-runner guide for the richest race on turf as Chris Waller chases record win
The Everest 2024 runner-by-runner guide
A dozen of the best sprinters in the country will descend upon a packed Royal Randwick on Saturday for the $20 million Everest.
The race will include previous winners, Group 1 standouts and some of the best young gallopers in the country.
Let's see who is in the mix for a share of the richest race on turf.
1. I Wish I Win (9)
Age: 6yo gelding
Trainer: P Moody & K Coleman
Jockey: Luke Nolen
Career: 23 starts, 7 wins, 13 placings
Odds: $6
Finished second in this race last year but looks primed to go one better this time around. Won a Group 1 in Queensland during the winter before a spell and since returning, ran third in the Manikato Stakes a few weeks ago.
2. Giga Kick (3)
Age: 5yo gelding
Trainer: Clayton Douglas
Jockey: Mark Zahra
Career: 13 starts, 7 wins, 3 placings
Odds: $13
Has barely raced this year but is proven in this race, taking out the 2022 edition. Most recently finished fourth in the Premiere Stakes but has drawn a nice gate.
3. Private Eye (10)
Age: 7yo gelding
Trainer: Joseph Pride
Jockey: Jay Ford
Career: 37 starts, 11 wins, 8 placings
Odds: $23
Hasn't won in well over a year but is a class horse and finishes fast. Finished third in last year's Everest by less than a length Wide barrier this time around will hurt, but still expected to flash home late.
4. Bella Nipotina (12)
Age: 7yo mare
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Craig Williams
Career: 54 starts, 9 wins, 25 placings
Odds: $9
Experienced galloper in tremendous form this year, dominating during the Brisbane carnival including two Group 1 wins. Wasn't far off last start in the Premiere Stakes but has drawn the widest gate for this race.
5. I Am Me (1)
Age: 6yo mare
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Nash Rawiller
Career: 23 starts, 11 wins, 5 placings
Odds: $15
Has been hitting the line nicely this prep, winning The Shorts and Concorde Stakes. Has had a trial in between runs and will be at peak fitness for this race.
6. Stefi Magnetica (6)
Age: 4yo mare
Trainer: Bjorn Baker
Jockey: Zac Lloyd
Career: 14 starts, 3 wins, 7 placings
Odds: $14
Strong showing last start in The Shorts, finishing 0.2 lengths behind the winner. Took out the coveted Stradbroke Handicap earlier this year and will be in the mix after drawing a nice barrier.
7. Sunshine In Paris (8)
Age: 5yo mare
Trainer: A Neasham & R Archibald
Jockey: Tommy Berry
Career: 10 starts, 5 wins, 3 placings
Odds: $9.50
Last-start winner that beat home one of the Everest favourites in the Sheraco Stakes. Has trialled in between runs and will be among the chances.
8. Joliestar (4)
Age: 4yo mare
Trainer: Chris Waller
Jockey: James McDonald
Career: 8 starts, 4 wins, 4 placings
Odds: $6
Looks set to start near the top of the market - was beaten last start but won first-up at this track in August. Took out a Group 1 event just under a year ago and has drawn the perfect gate. Champion trainer Chris Waller is chasing a record third Everest victory and is a strong chance of making it happen here.
Speaking to 9News Sydney, Waller was sheepish about the mare's chances, but is hopeful she can replicate her autumn form.
"Her formlines read well, but she's still got a big step to take," he said.
"It's a unique race that brings together the best and Joliestar will be racing against the best for the first time. Joliestar is brilliant fresh and we have seen that in the autumn, she beat the best three-year-olds.
"[I am] a little bit [nervous] yeah, especially an Everest. It's worth so much money and there's so much at stake."
9. Growing Empire (7)
Age: 3yo colt
Trainer: Ciaron Maher
Jockey: Kerrin McEvoy
Career: 6 starts, 4 wins, 2 placings
Odds: $7.50
Narrowly missed out on a Manikato Stakes victory a number of weeks ago but had won four races in a row prior. Looms as a genuine danger and has drawn well.
