The $20million ATC TAB The Everest (1200m) is just a week away and with 11 of the 12 slots now confirmed, Yarraman Park have a real interest in the race with champion sires I Am Invincible and his son Hellbent both represented, while a third runner has a Yarraman connection given Blue Door was foaled, raised and sold as a yearling at Inglis Easter in the Yarraman draft.
The Brad Widdup trained Hellbent mare Savvy Hallie earned her selection for the Mulberry Racing slot with a gallant second to brilliant mare Tempted in the $1million Group II ATC Premiere Stakes last Saturday.
A multiple Group winner of $1.3million, Savvy Hallie is fast, courageous and can handle all track conditions. Tempted has had her measure on the occasions they have met previously, but given the Godolphin mare is seen as the only serious challenger to Ka Ying Rising, that is undoubtedly good form.
The Bjorn Baker trained I Am Invincible gelding Caballus scored the biggest win of his career this year in the Group I VRC Newmarket Handicap and is coming into this off a fifth in the Premiere Stakes.
His second up form is excellent and a personal best performance could be on the cards for the talented 6YO, who has won $2.4million.
The only 3YO filly in the field this year, Blue Door is a second runner in the race for Bjorn Baker and the daughter of Stay Inside comes to her ultimate test off a brilliant win in the Group III ATC Heritage Stakes following a gallant second to Guest House in track record time in the Group III ATC San Domenica Stakes.
Blessed with electric gate speed and no weight to carry under the WFA scale, Blue Door has a bit of the x-factor and the barrier draw for her will be pivotal to her chances.
Bred by US breeder Craig Bernick under his Armitage Australia banner, Blue Door was foaled and raised at Yarraman Park before selling at Inglis Easter for $400,000.
Her dam Notting Hill has a yearling colt by I Am Invincible and has foaled this spring producing a filly by Too Darn Hot (GB).
