3 minute read
Saturday's Everest has assembled by far and away the best sprint field we've seen in some time.
Unlike the first two editions, this year has no passengers, there is no horse that you could confidently rule a line through.
The Anthony Freedman trained Santa Ana Lane has been installed favourite and rightfully so, rated 130 by Timeform.
His effort in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes was nothing short of top drawer, he is the best sprinter in the land off that.
Held back to resume in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes [1200m], Santa Ana Lane had his colours lowered for the second time behind Sunlight, however it was a sound return and a perfect platform for Saturday's affair.
Notably Sunlight and Redzel are the only two horses to have beaten Santa previously.
Since the 2017/18 season Anthony Freedman has saddled up 38 runners in Group 1 company and notched up 10 winners - 26%.
He has a fantastic record in the Grand Final and that is clearly evident when looking at Santa Ana Lane.
Since 2017, Santa Ana Lane has raced 10 times in Group 1 company (includes last year's Everest) for five wins.
He has only started favourite once during that period, which came in Hong Kong when clearly unsuited by the moderate tempo and the effects of International travel.
Mark Zahra continues his association with the seven-year-old and gets the chance to possibly settle closer if they desire (did settle a length last in the TJ Smith).
He is the only horse in the field that has put a margin on their rivals and while it is likely to be a very busy finish, with clear air, he should be too good late.
The Archie Alexander trained Gallic Chieftain was only narrowly edged out in the Metropolitan last start, when just feel he was a run short.
Should be right at his top racing fourth up and won at this C&D last preparation before not disgraced in the Group 1 Sydney Cup.
Looks well placed under the conditions of the race and only has to hold his form to be right in the finish again.
The much in-form Tommy Berry sticks aboard and with even luck, he should prove hard to hold out.
Simon Dinopoulos' Three Tips:
Race 7 #1 Santa Ana Lane @ $4.60
Race 9 #3 Gallic Chieftain @ $4.80
Race 10 #10 Penske @ $6.50
