Blinkers will probably go on Brave Smash in The Everest and the Japanese import is likely to have his final lead-up run in Saturday's Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
The Australian Turf Club nominated Brave Smash as its representative in The Everest last week despite the Darren Weir-trained galloper having both of his Australian runs in Melbourne.
Brave Smash ran second to Vega Magic first-up in August before posting a win in Listed class at Moonee Valley on September 12, which convinced the ATC to do a deal to have the stallion represent them in the $10 million event on October 14.
Weir told RSN927 that Brave Smash had a slight problem jumping cleanly, which was a reason for using the blinkers in The Everest.
"I'm thinking the blinkers on in The Everest," Weir said.
"Heading towards The Everest, I guess he'd have to improve those little barrier habits a little bit to have any chance of running in the money."
Jockey Damian Lane headed to Casterton to ride Brave Smash in a course-proper gallop on Tuesday morning and Weir said he would assess the Testa Rossa Stakes after accepting with the five-year-old.
"I'm a bit keen to run because he's obviously a bull and a bit big and that gives us three weeks to The Everest," Weir said.
"I think fourth-up into The Everest would be terrific and the three-week gap between his third and fourth run fits well with me.
"I'd be a little keener to ride him a little quieter, maybe midfield, on Saturday if we run and be strong through the line."
Sportsbet has Brave Smash as an $11 chance in its latest betting on The Everest.
Chuatauqua is the $5 favourite for the Randwick feature ahead of Vega Magic at $5.50 with Menari and Redzel on the third line of betting at
