Bjorn Baker’s disappointment in not securing an Everest slot with Overpass was eased when the proven fresh performer claimed a pretty decent consolation with a brilliant win in an eventful $2 million Sydney Stakes at Randwick.
The trainer had aimed Overpass to resume on Saturday’s program and had been hoping that would be in the $20 million Everest, in which he had Stefi Magnetica in that race.
But when Overpass did not secure a slot – having finished sixth and 10th in the past two runnings of the rich sprint – the gelding was instead set for the Sydney Stakes (1200m) over the same distance and he did not disappoint.
With regular jockey Josh Parr in the saddle, Overpass led and held off his challengers to defeat Coal Crusher by 1-1/2-lengths, with three-quarters of a length back to Manikato Stakes winner Southport Tycoon in third.
“He might not quite be a champion, but he’s our champion,” Baker said.
“He’s Darby Racing’s champion. He’s been a remarkable horse for me. I’ve learned a lot from him, too.
“He’s made me a better trainer. He’s made me understand patience and Josh just gets on with him so, so well.
“He’s still underrated but it was good to see him do that. Obviously I was trying to get him into the Everest, I thought he could get in there, but he’s got a great preparation ahead.”
There were concerning scenes during the race with last year’s Everest winner Think About It, ridden by Jason Collett, suffering a bleeding attack and weakening out of the race on the home turn before collapsing at the top of the straight.
The horse was later walked from the track, with stewards providing an initial update on his condition.
“Think About It, which collapsed in Race 6 due to a bleeding attack, has recovered and is under veterinary care,” a Racing NSW stewards statement said.
“J Collet was uninjured in the incident and has been cleared to fulfil his remaining engagements.”
Baker indicated the Group 1 Champions Sprint at Flemington would be the likely next step for Overpass before another trip to Perth to defend the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot at the end of November.
Along with last year’s Winterbottom, Overpass has also won the first two editions of The Quokka in the west.
Baker would love to have another crack at The Everest with the sprinter next year.
“He’s been very lightly raced and I guess his only blemish was on this day last year,” he said.
“Maybe next year we can put that right.”
Parr was full of praise for the sprinter, who took his record to nine wins from 27 starts.
He said his only concern coming into Saturday was the weather.
“But the rain didn’t come and the track has been prepared perfectly and we’ve witnessed a really good sprinting performance,” Parr said.
The jockey said he would love to win a Group 1 up the Flemington straight with Overpass next.
“He’s definitely good enough, and then obviously Perth have been good to us so we’re not going to turn our back on them,” he said.