He was huge when coming from last to win the Wyong Cup.
Second-up in the Newcastle Cup, the gelding made a pest of himself when sitting on-speed and handing the race on a platter to Mugatoo. He managed to finish 2.7 lengths fourth in that hit-out, which was a brave effort considering the pace set up front.
He then went to the Group 1 Metropolitan and was tailed off last. He only found clean air at the 175m mark on that occasion, and ran through the line well.
The booking of Kerrin McEvoy is a significant plus for this clash, as is the smaller field.
Barrier 5 is ideal and don’t be shocked to see him sitting mid-field with cover.
With even luck, he'll be flying over the top late!
I'm eager to kick start Everest Day on the right foot and side with the raced form here.
Prior to his debut where he had excuses during the run, he was the fastest two-year-old colt to come through the official trials.
The Snowden yard galloper looks well placed at his second start after a good effort in the Breeders Plate on debut.
In that clash, he began midfield before settling four deep throughout. He was able to make a long sustained run and show acceleration between the 600-200m, before blowing out which he was entitled to do so.
He stays at 1000m here and has the race fitness and education under his belt, which is a key factor missing from his rivals. Leading hoop James McDonald takes the ride, which signals intent from the stable.
From the wide gate expect him to make his own luck on-speed and with the first use of a true rail, he profiles as the horse to beat.
Cleary the race of the day, with huge build-up and hype surrounding the 2020 edition of The Everest.
I'm keen to be on Classique Legend come the big race, who has had a cracking prep so far and comes to his grand final in perfect order.
His win first-up was enormous. He had a torrid run in transit but was able to shuffle wide and unleashed his powerful turn of foot to record a blistering last 600m in 33.06 seconds.
His second-up run in the Premiere Stakes was full of merit as he was three-wide and on-pace for the entire trip, giving the eventual winner Libertini the suck run.
He is much more suited to sitting off the pace and launching late. With the noted speed in this race, we can expect a fast tempo up front giving him the best chance to produce his turn of foot.
Barrier 6 is the perfect draw, where he maps off the rails in the run midfield. He looks to have more upside than his rivals and I'm expecting a career peak performance on Saturday.
Kerrin McEvoy is all class and his big race experience will take Classique Legend a long way.
As Les Bridge put it "He's the best horse I've ever trained."
Michael is a life-long punter who enjoys the challenge of unearthing value buried within betting markets. The former golf pro knows a thing or two about performing under pressure.
