Two of the $10 million The Everest contenders, Redzel and Deploy, faced off in a Rosehill trial on Tuesday with both sets of connections satisfied with their performances.
Redzel took the honours in the 1000m course proper heat, 4-1/2 lengths clear of Deploy which was given a soft hit-out by jockey Josh Parr. Redzel stopped the clock at 58.90 seconds with the last 600m covered in 34.90 seconds.
"That was just what we wanted to see leading up to the race Saturday week," trainer Peter Snowden, who trains Redzel in partnership with his son Paul, told Triple Crown Syndications.
"It was just perfect; he jumped, had something to chase down and pinned his ears back without having any pressure applied to him.
"A good trial and we're very happy with him. We'll keep him ticking over now until Saturday week and he'll be there in good order."
Deploy secured his place in The Everest field two weeks ago and the recent Randwick and Rosehill track record breaker will run in Chris Waller Racing's slot.
Trainer Gerald Ryan said Deploy is physically and mentally in a good place 11 days out from the biggest moment of his career.
"I was really happy, he trialled the way he normally does," Ryan said.
"He's a horse that's never been a great trialler but I'm happy with the way he's freshened up since his last run.
"He'll just poke around until next Tuesday when he'll have a good hit-out which is normal for him four days out from a race and he'll be ready to go."
Redzel is a $7 chance for The Everest at Sportsbet while Deploy is $11. Moir Stakes winner She Will Reign is the $4.60 favourite.
Meanwhile, the Chris Waller-trained Egg Tart started to get her spring campaign back on track when finishing fifth in the trial. The Epsom Handicap second favourite was scratched on race eve after failing to overcome an eye infection.
Redzel tuned up for #TheEverest with an impressive trial win @rosehillgardens this morning. Deploy closed off nicely to finish third. pic.twitter.com/AAI5viqxpm
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 2, 2017
