Think About It (+320) continues to add to his astonishing resume, going on to score an impressive win in the $20 million Everest (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon.
The son of So You Think was given a perfect ride, courtesy of Sam Clipperton, finding the one-one throughout the worlds’ richest race on turf.
The stage was set with Overpass (+900) kicking up to find the lead as Alcohol Free (+5000) injected a bit more speed into the race, sliding across to sit outside the leader.
Zac Lloyd gained a perfect position aboard the three-year-old Cylinder, gaining the leaders back on the rail, while the eventual winner got the ideal stalking position.
I Wish I Win (+380) settled bang on mid-field turning into the home straight and when asked for the ultimate effort by Luke Nolen, the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) winner obliged, powering between runners.
Think About It hit the front with 100m to go, and was simply too strong to the line, as I Wish I Win claimed second spot, leaving the winner’s stable companion Private Eye (+600) surging into the trifecta after sitting three-wide for most of the journey.
It’s 11-career wins and almost $10 million in prizemoney accumulated for Think About It, continuing his rise as one of Australia’s best.
Joe Pride spoke with affection for both Think About It and Private Eye, while crediting I Wish I Win as well.
“That is unbelievable,” said Pride.
“They both (Private Eye – 3rd) ran terrific. I was pretty confident coming into the race that not only my two would run well but Peter Moody’s (trainer of I Wish I Win – 2nd) was the only danger.
“It doesn’t really matter at the end, but I thought they were the three and sure enough they fought it out.
“It was an incredible performance to stay at 1200m because after he won the Stradbroke if it wasn’t for The Everest being what it is I never would have aimed him at this race. A 1200m race that is, but I’m glad I did.”
Sam Clipperton was emotional after the race and reminisced on his career while speaking to the magnitude of the victory.
“I don’t know. Blown away,” said Clipperton.
“I had such a nice run in the race and travelled so well. This stuff doesn’t happen, it just went too perfect.
“I guess that’s what very good horses do, maybe even champions, they eliminate the opposition.
“I’m just so privileged to be in a position of riding this horse.
“I had my apprenticeship here at Randwick with Ron Quinton and I know every blade of grass at this joint. If you had have told me when I started that I was going to win an Everest well A, The Everest didn’t exist and now it’s exploded into one of the most incredible races in the world and I’m just incredibly proud.”
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