Stating the obvious, and I feel somewhat guilty in doing so, but BELLA NIPOTINA escalated herself into A1 sprinter status this prep, and it is not because she has bashed the clock or recorded supernatural figures, but because she turns up at this level day in, day out, and performs. To extend that, she does so under any and all circumstances. Whether that be sufferance/adversity in run, set up or race shape. She is tough, and she is one of the most admirable sprinters I can recall.

Both GIGA KICK and SUNSHINE IN PARIS were finding her on the line through The Everest, but keep in mind, she was deep throughout and still did record the better acceleration to both of them who had softer runs.

BELLA NIPOTINA is the rightful favourite and I don’t think there is any disadvantage coming back in trip off what she did in the Russell Balding. If I could some niggles, it is the quick back up off a race like that, coupled with her depth of prep. But again, as above, she just shows up. Happy to omit her Flemington record as there is only one real blemish margin wise, and she is clearly in a different vain of form.

OVERPASS ran ever so slightly quicker time on the day of The Everest through the Sydney Stakes. That in itself holds good weight here, however did so under less adversity, and it is the dynamics inside the race that made BELLA NIPOTINA’s run rate stronger. He certainly has to be considered in the top few, but I expect needs a new peak.

Funnily enough, 2023 Everest winner GIGA KICK has never stood out from a ratings perspective, with that run being his highest rating, and his second highest being the defeat behind BELLA NIPOTINA in that race this year. The straight helps his cause, however I do think others are better profiled at 1200m.

ESTRIELLA is the knockout horse and probably the only other runner I want to entertain outside of BELLA NIPOTINA. She is seemingly racing below last prep, however it is an entirely different set up on distance and tracks. The stable are obviously astute and her figure as well as the visual through the Sunlight Classic last prep is where I am putting a good amount of weight. Despite that being 1100m, she certainly wasn’t stopping through the line, and prep wise, I think this may just be the target.

Plenty of time for SUNSHINE IN PARIS, and really no surprise to see her romp home. However, I don’t think there is quite enough in what she has done, particularly being ticked up for The Everest. She is a great mare and I won’t discount her, but I am also not on side here.