After failing to gain a slot for the $20 million Everest, the Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) is an excellent consolation prize for connections of Overpass, leading all the way to claim victory at Randwick on Saturday afternoon.
It was an amazing training performance by Bjorn Baker, never backing down by his claims the son of Vancouver would’ve been competitive first-up into the richest race on turf, with his words justified as Overpass cleared out to score by 1.5 lengths.
The Joe Pride-trained Coal Crusher ($71.00) assured the six-year-old didn’t get it his own way on speed, with Airman ($23.00) getting the gun run one back one off the rail.
Heavily backed favourite Southport Tycoon ($4.60) was slightly slow away, but did gain a good position to strike turning for home, while King Of Sparta ($11.00) was an eye-catcher through the line after drawing out in barrier 17.
Overpass never looked in any doubt, however, booting clear to score thanks to a front-running masterclass by Joshua Parr.
2024 Group 3 Sydney Stakes – Overpass
Bjorn Baker spoke post-race and maintained his view Overpass wouldn’t have been out of place in an Everest.
“Well, look, he would have run first or second. I’ve got one in that race. I don’t know,” said Baker.
“We were pushing hard to get him in. It’s a pretty good consolation. We’re very lucky. I thought this race was a Group 1 race in everything but status. It was a stacked field, and he’s some sort of horse, this guy.
“So, it’s very great for my team. He’s done a great job. I thought he was absolutely spot on today. He had a smooth preparation.
“He’s been very lightly raced. The one blemish on his record was this day last year. Maybe we can put it right next year.
“We just had him spot on today. I emphasised that everywhere I went. Trainers can handle the truth carelessly from time to time. There’s no doubt I was after an Everest slot, and maybe I’m handling the truth too carelessly because the boy who cried wolf is spot on today.”
Joshua Parr spoke for the second time on Everest Day and praised the Baker camp to get Overpass ready first-up.
“I’ve got so much faith and love for this horse,” said Parr.
“It is just remarkable. When you know you can get on a horse and you know they’ll perform for you.
“Tuesday morning’s gallop was close to the best piece of work I have ever ridden and Bjorn has absolutely nailed the set up. The ‘fresh but fit set up’ with him.
“Oh, my gosh, I’m just absolutely buzzing.”
During the running of the Sydney Stakes, Think About It ($8.00 looked to have broken down turning for home, however, reports suggest the 2023 Everest (1200m) winner suffered a bleeding attack before walking off the track, moving okay and drinking water from his stall at Randwick Racecourse.
Jason Collett was unharmed and will continue riding throughout the afternoon.
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