Picture: Steve Hart
Overpass has resumed with a dominant win in an eventful Sydney Stakes at Randwick
Bjorn Baker’s disappointment in not securing an Everest slot with Overpass was eased when the confirmed contemporary performer claimed a reasonably first rate comfort with a superb win in an eventful $2 million Sydney Stakes at Randwick.
The coach had aimed Overpass to renew on Saturday’s program and had been hoping that may be within the $20 million Everest, wherein he had Stefi Magnetica in that race.
However when Overpass didn’t safe a slot – having completed sixth and tenth previously two runnings of the wealthy dash – the gelding was as an alternative set for the Sydney Stakes (1200m) over the identical distance and he didn’t disappoint.
With common jockey Josh Parr within the saddle, Overpass led and held off his challengers to defeat Coal Crusher by 1-1/2-lengths, with three-quarters of a size again to Manikato Stakes winner Southport Tycoon in third.
“He won’t fairly be a champion, however he’s our champion,” Baker stated.
“He’s Darby Racing’s champion. He’s been a exceptional horse for me. I’ve realized rather a lot from him, too.
“He’s made me a greater coach. He’s made me perceive persistence and Josh simply will get on with him so, so nicely.
“He’s nonetheless underrated but it surely was good to see him try this. Clearly I used to be making an attempt to get him into the Everest, I assumed he may get in there, however he’s acquired an amazing preparation forward.”
There have been regarding scenes through the race with final yr’s Everest winner Assume About It, ridden by Jason Collett, struggling a bleeding assault and weakening out of the race on the house flip earlier than collapsing on the high of the straight.
The horse was later walked from the observe, with stewards offering an preliminary replace on his situation.
“Assume About It, which collapsed in Race 6 attributable to a bleeding assault, has recovered and is underneath veterinary care,” a Racing NSW stewards assertion stated.
“J Collet was unhurt within the incident and has been cleared to fulfil his remaining engagements.”
Baker indicated the Group 1 Champions Dash at Flemington could be the possible subsequent step for Overpass earlier than one other journey to Perth to defend the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot on the finish of November.
Together with final yr’s Winterbottom, Overpass has additionally received the primary two editions of The Quokka within the west.
Baker would like to have one other crack at The Everest with the sprinter subsequent yr.
“He’s been very flippantly raced and I suppose his solely blemish was on at the present time final yr,” he stated.
“Perhaps subsequent yr we are able to put that proper.”
Parr was filled with reward for the sprinter, who took his file to 9 wins from 27 begins.
He stated his solely concern coming into Saturday was the climate.
“However the rain didn’t come and the observe has been ready completely and we’ve witnessed a extremely good sprinting efficiency,” Parr stated.
The jockey stated he would like to win a Group 1 up the Flemington straight with Overpass subsequent.
“He’s undoubtedly adequate, after which clearly Perth have been good to us so we’re not going to show our again on them,” he stated.
*Current prospects solely. 2nd Racing guess. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Assume. Is that this a guess you actually wish to place?
Set a deposit restrict.
