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It’s all roads to the $15m TAB Everest now for Tommy Berry and Masked Crusader after a Chautauqua-like last to first win at Randwick on Saturday.
The grey wasn’t able to win an Everest in its inaugural running back in 2017 and while Masked Crusader reminded everyone of what he can do in winning the Gr.2 $500,000 ACY Securities Premiere Stakes (1200m) Berry can only hope the cards fall his way again in two weeks.
The result is sure to shake up the TAB Everest a little with Queensland star Rothfire failing, beaten four lengths in finishing seventh, and Lost And Running improving on his first-up effort to run fourth.
Masked Crusader firmed into $6 with TAB, Lost And Running held his spot at $15 while Rothfire eased from $9 out to $15.
Berry had no choice but to ride Masked Crusader for luck after he was again slow to get moving and that’s the Achilles heel that worries him come October 16.
The five-year-old ($2.50 favorite) held a half-length margin over Standout ($21) while Embracer ($21) was another three-quarters away in third.
He clocked a last 600m of 33.18 (Punter’s Intelligence) which was not surprisingly easily the fastest in the race.
While things like the tempo, track conditions, and luck will have a say in the TAB Everest result, Berry said Masked Crusader will arrive there in his best possible condition for slot holders the Max Whitby and Neil Werrett group.
No Premiere Stakes winner has won the TAB Everest though Masked Crusader will be only the third to attempt the double after Santa Ana Lane (2018) and Libertini last year.
Comparisons with Chautauqua are inevitable given Masked Crusader races in the same colours and has a get back pattern and Berry admits he was caught up in the similarities.