3 minute read

Craig Williams could be in for an Everest Day to remember with his full book of rides headlined by three early favourites.

Craig Williams is looking forward to his first race ride on Yellow Brick in the Silver Eagle at Randwick, especially after watching Rediener frank the Queenslander's form by winning the Epsom Handicap. 

Rediener just edged out Yellow Brick in the Gunsynd Classic during the Brisbane winter carnival and on Saturday he will take on the likes of Mr Brightside, Zaaki and Think It Over in the King Charles III Stakes. 

Yellow Brick sticks to his own age group in the $1 million Silver Eagle (1300m) and Williams says his formlines augur well for a competitive showing. 

"I raced against him in Brisbane and he was a really good horse," Williams said. 

"After the Epsom, it only franked his form because that (winner Rediener) was one horse that actually beat him up there. 

"I'm delighted to have my first ride on him and from what they're talking about and seeing his profile and his videos, I'm really excited to feel what he's like underneath." 

Yellow Brick has won six of his 11 starts and is yet to miss a place. 

He is part of a full book of 10 rides for Williams at Randwick, the top hoop secured to partner Alcohol Free in The Everest (1200m) after controversially losing the mount on Giga Kick, who was subsequently withdrawn from the race with a campaign-ending injury. 

He will also ride star Victorian Mr Brightside in the $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m), while his other mounts include bonny mare Bella Nipotina in the $2 million Sydney Stakes (1200m), the consolation race for horses missing out on an Everest start. 

Williams has an outstanding record on Bella Nipotina, riding her seven times for three wins and four placings, including a last start third to Everest fancy Think About It in the Premiere Stakes (1200m). 

"I thought her performance against them was excellent," Williams said. 

"(Co-trainer Ciaron Maher) said she had come through the run really well. Even as you looked visually, the other week she was quite hairy and her coat had improvement and he said she had really come on." 

Bella Nipotina ($4.40) is among a trio of favourites Williams is booked to ride along with Yellow Brick ($3.80) and Mr Brightside ($2.20).