Overpass ready for another Everest crack

Newgate Farm’s Henry Field has invited Overpass to join The Everest party again, picking the warhorse sprinter to run in the $20 million slot race, and trainer Bjorn Baker is determined to be the party crasher.

Field completed the deal on Wednesday and sighted Overpass’ first-up brilliance as a deal clincher.

The Vancouver seven-year-old has won four times resuming, and been a runner-up on a further four occasions in nine attempts.

“He is a dynamic horse first-up and he ran faster time than The Everest in the Sydney Stakes last year when resuming,” Field said. “Bjorn Baker knows his horse and he was clear that he wanted to go into the race fresh. Of what was left, he is clearly the best available, and he has made a habit of causing surprises first-up, and he can run top three.”

Baker was very clear on where he sees Overpass coming to the home turn in the Everest and that’s in front, even with the speed of Private Harry and Hong Kong’s Ka Ying Rising.

“We know he handles the pressure of these big races and our intention to ride him how he is always ridden, to be on speed,” Baker said. “If something wants to lead him, they are going to have to be very quick. “It’s an advantage that Henry and Newgate are allowing us to go into the race first-up where he is at his best. We will have another barrier trial, just to have him cherry ripe on Everest day.”

Overpass will become an $11 million earner in the Everest and joins Ka Ying Rising, Briasa, Joliestar, Private Harry, Jimmystar and Lady Shenandoah in the field.

Baker hasn’t decided if Overpass will contest the Everest trial at Randwick on October 7, where favourite Ka Ying Rising will make his first public appearance, or trial elsewhere.