Hall Of Fame trainer Les Bridge says a tilt at The Everest is almost certainly off the table for Celestial Legend, confirming the Golden Eagle as his stable star’s primary mission.
Speaking on Queensland’s RadioTAB on Thursday, Bridge revealed the horse’s owner Bon Ho had never been overly keen on pursuing an Everest (1200m) campaign and the Randwick trainer was becoming increasingly convinced Celestial Legend was looking for 1600 metres and beyond.
“He (Bon Ho) was never keen on the Everest, so I’ve put that out of the equation at the moment,” Bridge told RadioTAB.
“That was just me. I thought he might sprint well fresh, but it’s obvious he is just looking for further now.
“His main target is the Golden Eagle, $10 million. It’s how I get there, I haven’t locked that in yet.”
The reigning Randwick Guineas and Doncaster Mile winner, Celestial Legend made his first public appearance of the new season in a Kensington track trial last Friday, finishing fourth and over seven lengths behind Lady Of Camelot in the 850m heat.
Also ahead of him were 2022 Everest winner Giga Kick and exciting colt Linebacker.
Given the heavy track conditions on the day, and the fact the session was conducted on the inside circuit rather than the course proper, Bridge said he was unable to get a true gauge on Celestial Legend.
“The horses that beat him home were a Golden Slipper winner and an Everest winner, they had harder trials than him so it’s just a little bit hard to assess him…he went OK,” Bridge said.
“I will trial him here on Friday week, hopefully they will be on the course proper on a good track, and you’ll see a different horse there.”
Bridge added he would wait until after that next trial to pick out his charge’s first-up assignment.
Celestial Legend remains in pre-nomination markets for the Everest at $15 and punters will be refunded their bet if their horse isn’t selected for a slot.
He is a firm $3.50 favourite for the Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on November 2.
