Ever
Loyal came a long way in a short time during the spring and continued
improvement is expected during his summer campaign.
The Sebring three-year-old made his first appearance in September and off the
back of two subsequent wins, including victory in the Listed Zacinto Stakes
(1600m), he was a brave third after making the pace in the Gr.1 New Zealand
2000 Guineas (1600m).
"He did it all on one preparation and he did a very good job for a big, green
horse," trainer Tony Pike said.
"It wasn't the plan to lead in the Guineas, he was supposed to sit outside
Bostonian who slipped at the start and Ever Loyal was left in front. That's not
his style and he's best sitting in behind them."
Raced by prominent Australian owner Rob Ferguson, Ever Loyal is now back in the
stable and will return to racing later this month.
"He had a short break and I'm really happy with the way he has come back," Pike
said.
"He'll be a better horse this time around and, at this stage, the plan is to
kick him off at Ellerslie on Boxing Day in the three-year-old race over 1400m.
"The main target for him is the Karaka Million 3YO Classic."
Meanwhile, multiple top-flight winner Sacred Star is on target for a first-up
crack at the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m), a race he finished fourth in two
years ago, on New Year's Day.
"I'm really happy with the old boy," Pike said. "He's got his issues and he
always has had, but he's