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With 6 months remaining, Rupert Legh is rapt that his exciting sprinter Masked Crusader has secured his place in the 2021 edition of the much-awaited A$15 million Everest. The people involved in Max Whitby and Neil Werrett’s Everest slot are also part-owners with him in the Hawkes Racing trained galloper.
Legh has been involved in each edition of the Everest to date via his star sprinter Chautauqua, three time contender Santa Ana Lane and Tofane – and he said being locked into a slot early takes the pressure off and allows you to enjoy the experience.
Masked Crusader joins his TJ Smith conqueror Nature Strip in the 2021 field and has his final start prior to being aimed at the Everest, in the Gr.1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
While there was a lot of talk last year about Masked Crusader as a potential Everest runner, co-slot holder Max Whitby said despite the boom on him it was never really a consideration as all involved wanted to see how the gelding evolved.
The Whitby/Werrett slot has had mixed results in the four editions of the Everest so far – they finished second in the inaugural running with Vega Magic, fifth in 2018 with Graff, 10th in 2019 with Sunlight while last year Trekking finished fourth.
This time around he’s relieved not to be the ‘last man standing’.
Masked Crusader was on the third line of Everest betting at $8 with TAB prior to his run in the All Aged with Nature Strip the $4.50 favourite.