Golden Rose runner-up Traffic Warden has been officially confirmed to represent Godolphin in the $20 million The Everest.
The colt is the second runner locked in over the past two days with last year’s placegetter Private Eye announced as the contender for the slot held by prominent owners Max Whitby and Neil Werrett on Sunday.
Godolphin head trainer James Cummings had flagged Traffic Warden as their no. 1 Everest seed after he backed up a dazzling first-up win in The Run To The Rose with a fine second to stablemate Broadsiding in the Group 1 Golden Rose.
However, the global powerhouse wanted to see how he came through that race before making a final call and on Monday made it official.
“He’s come through his most recent run brilliantly, and third-up he will be ready to peak Everest day,” Cummings said.
Jamie Kah has been booked for the mount on the three-year-old, who is an $8 chance.
Meanwhile, Ciaron Maher told Racing NSW stewards that Everest contender I Am Me had been found to have blood coming from a nostril following a barrier trial at Rosehill on Friday.
The mare will be required to complete a satisfactory 1000m gallop under the supervision of a steward in order to be cleared to race.
Maher has also been summoned to appear before stewards at a date to be fixed for his delay in reporting the matter.
Private Eye will be among three Everest contenders to clash in a mouth-watering Randwick barrier trial on Tuesday, along with Joliestar and Sunshine In Paris.
The 1000m heat will have nine runners, all Group 1 winners, headlined by Fangirl and Celestial Legend.
