Australian Turf Club has started a tender process for its Everest spot as one slot holder is coming to terms with missing out on Hong Kong sprinter Lucky Bubbles, who will head to Japan rather than Randwick in October.
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The club has decided to use a tender process for its spot to attempt to get the best sprinter available, who will likely be required to run in lead-up races at Randwick.
"The Everest has very quickly caught the attention and imagination of the local and international racing world, and many owners, trainers and representatives have already publicly stated they want to run," ATC chief executive Darren Pearce said.
![Everest climbing: Chautauqua beats Lucky Bubbles in the Chairman's Sprint Prize in Hong Kong.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170711075406im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/u/5/x/r/3/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gwh4dn.png/1496232988525.jpg)
"The ATC will look to attract the very best sprinters to compete and we hope the ATC slot can be utilised by a horse that enhances the quality of the race and in turn promotes Sydney racing to the world."
The ATC wants to finalise its decision by July 31, but it would be disappointed Lucky Bubbles has opted not to race for sprinting's biggest prize.
Lucky Bubbles won the Chairman's Sprint Prize with Hugh Bowman in the saddle at Sha Tin last month after being runner-up to Chautauqua in the same race 12 months earlier.
His owner was interested in The Everest but decided it would be easier for Lucky Bubbles to go to Japan and return for the Hong Kong International Sprint in December.
Hong Kong horses going to Japan don't face the strict quarantine restrictions of coming to Australia and it is a significantly shorter trip.
Slot holders are keeping a keen eye on international sprinting but it appears likely the first edition of The Everest will only feature Australian and possibly a New Zealand sprinter.
Three-time TJ Smith winner Chautauqua, Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign and Houtzen have already been confirmed in slots, while Fell Swoop's connections are close to signing an agreement for the Inglis-owned slot.
David Hayes holds a strong sprinting hand with Oakleigh Plate winner Sheidel, Newmarket first-up winner Redkirk Warrior and Vega Magic, who won the Goodwood, all in the sights of slot holders.
"I'm talking with more slot holders than horses that I have," Hayes said. "It is about doing a deal which suits both parties and it comes down to colours and who get trophy as much the split in prizemoney.
"The slot holder is basically leasing the horse for one race, but you have to talk to them about how the horse will get to the race.
"I have those three group 1 winners but it is no use going to a $10 million race if you are not in form.
"My plan is to go into the race first-up with Redkirk Warrior and Vega Magic because that is how they won the Newmarket and Goodwood.
"We also have some rising three-year-olds that if they are in-form we would like to run in a $10 million race. It is all about a race in Sydney for the sprinters this year."
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott are keen to sprint Global Glamour next season and hope the mare will be in line for an Everest slot along with the mare English who, like Fell Swoop, has been placed in the past two runnings of the TJ Smith stakes behind Chautauqua.
"We will be putting them forward for the ATC slot. There wouldn't be a better credential sprinter than English at weight-for-age," Bott said.
Meanwhile, JJ Atkins favourite Melody Belle and Queensland Derby bound Shocking Luck will have to pay late entry after Te Akau Racing missed the first acceptance pay-up on Wednesday for next week's group 1 races.
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