3 minute read

Eduardo and Classique Legend have both scored strong trial wins at Randwick.

Classique Legend and Lost And Running have continued their Everest build-ups with a barrier trial clash at Randwick, while Eduardo has again underlined his claims for a slot with a dominant display. 

The reigning Everest titleholder, Classique Legend was prominent in the run and angled through a split in the straight to edge out an equally impressive Lost And Running in the opening 1000m heat. 

Both will resume in The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday week, a race that is also the first-up target for Eduardo. 

While Classique Legend and Lost And Running have secured Everest slots, Eduardo is yet to be locked in, although trainer Joe Pride has confirmed discussions with slot holders are ongoing and "there are a few irons in the fire". 

The Doomben 10,000 winner contested a separate 740m heat at Friday's session, flying the gates and maintaining his advantage to the line to defeat Mamaragan. 

Pride said the shorter heat was the right fit for Eduardo and the horse would be spot-on for a repeat of his first-up heroics last preparation when he downed Nature Strip in the Challenge Stakes. 

"I intentionally didn't want him in the 1000 metre trial, the alleged 'Everest trial'," Pride said. 

"It's a bit too much for him to run 1000 metres eight days out from a race, it's not his style. 

"Every horse is different and it's probably the right thing for Classique Legend, but it's not the right thing for Eduardo.  

"It's his third trial and he's going to go to The Shorts ready to run right up to what he's capable of." 

Nash Rawiller has forged a wonderful partnership with Eduardo since the gelding joined Pride's stable and again partnered him in Friday's hitout. 

He has been booked to ride him in The Shorts and The Everest if he secures a berth.