Newcastle mare In Her Time has almost certainly raced herself into contention for The Everest (1200m) after a hard-fought win in the Group II Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
It is a $10 million dream that is fast becoming a reality for young trainer Benjamin Smith after In Her Time ($4.80) staved off the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained English ($5.50) to win the $500,000 contest by a short neck. Kris Lees' Clearly Innocent ($8.50) flashed home late into third, beaten another length.
"Unbelievable. You know my heart was in my mouth all the way up the straight. Good to see she got the job done. Her trials were outstanding," Smith said.
"We've been here before. The Brisbane winter we got run down a couple of times. I was just waiting for it again but she is tough as nails this horse and she held off English quite well.
"We will let the dust settle today and just see what happens. Nothing might happen and we might go to Melbourne or stay here.
"There is a big carrot to dangle – $10 million. I'll turn the phone on (for a slot)."
As of Saturday, two slots (Damion Flower and Coolmore) remain vacant in The Everest field, to be run back at Randwick on October 14.
Winning rider Corey Brown is adamant the daughter of Time Thief will make her presence felt should she gain a start in the inaugural race.
"I was lucky enough to snag the ride at the trials at Rosehill and I haven't had a horse trial like that in a long while, especially since I've been home from Singapore," Brown said.
"She's the real deal and showed it here today."
"I think there would be no doubt she would be competitive in The Everest."
