Injured Snapdancer Out Of The Everest 2022 Field, Giga Kick Gains Slot

Slot holders Inglis are searching for a replacement 2022 The Everest contender after the shock withdrawal of Memsie Stakes winning mare Snapdancer.

Snapdancer | Photo: Ultimate Race Photos | Races.com.au

Snapdancer is out of the 2022 The Everest due to injury. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

The Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained six-year-old daughter of Choisir was rated a $15 shot to win the $15 million sprint feature on October 15, but has been ruled out of the world’s richest turf race due to a minor hoof injury.

“Due to an injury setback, it has been decided in consultation with the owners that Snapdancer will not contest The Everest,” Inglis confirmed on social media this week.

“Inglis will announce in coming days our new representative.”

Snapdancer, who was excellent in her all-the-way Memsie Stakes win in Melbourne last time out, was to be the first The Everest runner for top trainers Maher & Eustace.

They could still get a shot at the glory however with Inglis considering their recent Moir Stakes runner-up, Bella Nipotina, to fill her stablemate’s position.

In other The Everest news, the James Harron Bloodstock slot in The Everest field has been filled by professional young three-year-old Giga Kick.

The Clayton Douglas-trained son of Scissor Kick took his undefeated record up to four wins from as many starts when backing up from his Vain Stakes success to narrowly win last Saturday’s Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1200m) at Saturday.

While some are questioning how Giga Kick will measure up against the older stars, Douglas said the horse has done everything right since fighting hard for his Danehill victory and may be able to surprise a few on the big day.

“He has done everything right to this point, he has the right attitude and right demeanour,” the Mornington-based horseman told Racenet on Tuesday.

“We are under no illusions, The Everest is an unbelievable race but he has shown us that he has a lot of quality.

“Three-year-olds do have a good record in the race and he seems to be able to do things that other horses don’t do.”

Harron locked in a deal with Giga Kick’s owner Jonathon Munz (Pinecliff Racing) on Tuesday morning after talking to a confident Craig Williams who rode the up-and-comer to victory over the weekend and will also be aboard in The Everest.

“Craig is very bullish about Giga Kick and believes he can be competitive in The Everest,” Harron said.

“He has already taken The Everest ride on the horse even though he could have stayed in Melbourne to ride in the Caulfield Cup.

“I’ve also done business with Jonathon over the years and we raced (multiple Group 1 winner) King’s Legacy together. I know Jonathon also has a lot of belief in Giga Kick so it’s a good fit for everyone.”

Harron is after a second The Everest trophy having won the inaugural edition with Redzel back in 2017.

“It’s been a tough process this year but I’m excited to have Giga Kick in The Everest,” he said.

Golden Rose winner Jaquinot is the other three-year-old in this year’s race.

The Waller-trained Yes Yes Yes improved on a Golden Rose second to win the event back in 2019.

Jaquinot is at $12 through Ladbrokes.com.au to achieve the double, while Giga Kick is at a more generous $26 quote.

Godolphin are still to confirm their The Everest contender and, along with Inglis, are the only slot holders yet to have a runner secured.

Paulele and Premiere Stakes fourth place-getter over the weekend, Kementari, look the two most likely to be named to represent the Royal Blue brigade this spring.

Updated The Everest odds at Ladbrokes.com.au have Chris Waller’s defending champion Nature Strip at $2.10 and firming to go back-to-back.

Lost And Running is the danger occupying the second line of The Everest betting at $7 after last year’s fourth place-getter won the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) on Epsom Handicap Day.

Click here for a complete run down on all The Everest 2022 contenders.

Click here for the latest all-in The Everest 2022 betting odds, courtesy of Ladbrokes.com.au.