A pleasing barrier trial from Golden Slipper winning colt Shinzo this morning has given connections the green light to aim up at the $20million The Everest in the Coolmore slot, while his stablemate Espiona will run in the slot of her trainer Chris Waller.
A homebred for Coolmore, Snitzel colt Shinzo was unplaced in the recent Group I ATC Golden Rose at his first run back from a spell, but the drop back to 1200m should suit.
Star Thoroughbreds owned Extreme Choice mare Espiona earned her chance at the Everest with a brilliant last start win in the Group II ATC Golden Pendant and is also dropping back in trip from 1400 to 1200m.
Hugh Bowman will ride Espiona and Kerrin McEvoy will partner Shinzo.
This brings the number of confirmed Everest starters to 11 and leaves only slot-holder Yulong to announce their sprinter.