They were supposed to be the supporting act to a superstar, but Linebacker and Overpass showed up Ka Ying Rising at Randwick on Tuesday morning.
Randwick Guineas Linebacker kicked through to win the barrier trial, while Overpass held a margin over the Everest odds-on favourite.
The crowd of more than 1000 was silent as Ka Ying Rising came back, the expectation, from them at least, was he would win and confirm his $1.50 quote for the $20 million sprint in a fortnight.
John O’Shea and Tom Charlton would be delighted in Linebacker, who had a setback with the equine equivalent of a sprained ankle that kept him out of the Epsom.
He will certainly start a short-priced elect in the Silver Eagle on Everest day after that trial, on his way to next month’s Golden Eagle.
“He was pretty fresh and he has always been a natural competitor, so it was good to see him do that,” Charlton said. “I didn’t think he would be up there with those Everest horses.”
Zac Lloyd admitted he was surprised to be winning the trial on Linebacker, who was sharp.
“I was really disappointed he had that setback, which was a minor injury, that took him off the Epsom path,” Lloyd said.
“His trial showed he is back in great order.”
“I was travelling really well into the straight, which I didn’t think I would be behind horses like Overpass and Ka Ying Rising.”
“He was fresh and I expected him to trial well, but not that well.”
Bjorn Baker was using the trial as a building block to Overpass’ Everest return and was delighted to see him alongside Ka Ying Rising.
“I think both of them were out there for that bit of competition that will bring them on,” Baker said.
“We know Overpass is a horse that is going to keep fighting, and he will be ready for the battle in the Everest.”
“He is going to dig in more when it comes to raceday, so it was good to see him do that today.”
