Warrnambool-trained Oliveanotherday did his hopes of gaining a start in The Everest the world of good with an excellent audition at Caulfield.
Successful in the Listed Wangoom Handicap during the Warrnambool May Carnival, Oliveanotherday returned off a break to claim the Group 3 Heath 1100 on Saturday.
Sent out the $2.30 favourite under Harry Coffey, Oliveanotherday scored a 1-½ length victory from Bridal Waltz ($3.70) with War Machine ($6) a further 1-¼ lengths away third.
Trainer Tom Dabernig said there had been some interest in Oliveanotherday for a start in the $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 17.
“If the opportunity presented, we would fully embrace it,” Dabernig said.
“There has been a little bit of interest in the horse, but I think they were keen to see what he did today.
“It would be a good opportunity for horse, trainer and owner, but we won’t get ahead of ourselves, just yet.”
First for Dabernig is to try and get a Group 1 win on the board for Oliveanotherday.
The Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on September 27 is that likely opportunity, while Dabernig pointed to the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington on September 12 as a potential next assignment.
A run up the straight could eventually lead to a Group 1 sprint contest at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.
Dabernig admitted to nerves during Saturday’s race when Oliveanotherday was locked up on the fence following the leader Bridal Waltz.
“We were a little bit concerned with barrier one and I was mindful, talking to Harry Coffery during the week, of not wanting to chase the speed and to hold a position and give him too hard a run,” Dabernig said.
“But in doing so, turning for home and when he was held up, we were all a bit tense.
“He’s a horse that can quicken and get himself out of trouble in two or three strides and when he hit the front, I saw that Harry didn’t have to use the whip all that much and was hands and heels and he won nicely.
“It’s a great way to kick the preparation off and hopefully he can continue into the spring and take those next steps.”
