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The Everest bound Briasa was “electrifying” posting an outstanding time to win the 2025 Premiere Stakes at Randwick over the same track and trip he will return to in a fortnight for a shot at Ka Ying Rising in the $20 million The Everest.
Having already secured a spot in the world’s richest turf race on October 18 for slot holders Max Whitby, Steve McCann, Colin Madden & Neil Werrett, the brilliant Team Hawkes trained grey showed exactly what he was made of dominating Saturday’s Group 2 $1 million Premiere Stakes (1200m) as the punters’ pick on Epsom Handicap Day.
A five-year-old son of Smart Missile, Briasa returned to winning form second-up as the $2.25 top elect after his brave run for second fresh in the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) behind Joliestar.
Fitter for the run and relishing the return to six-furlongs, the autumn’s Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes champ was far too quick for his six Premiere Stakes rivals off a lovely ride by Tyler Schiller to salute over the 1200m in 1 minute 7.98 seconds.
“He’s a super talent, he doesn’t know how good he really is,” co-trainer Michael Hawkes told Sky Thoroughbred Central post-win.
“The time is electrifying, everyone goes on about times, we’re not so much about times, but I know everyone else does, but for the believers, there you go.”
Third on the turn for home as Mazu led them round the final bend, another of the confirmed The Everest horses in the race, Private Harry, briefly took over in front before Briasa moved up to take the lead at the 100m before unleashing with a powerful late burst to steal the show.
Hawkes was quick to credit the ride by Schiller who got Briasa into a good rhythm throughout.
“To give Tyler credit, he got him in a beautiful rhythm, he just flowed and he’s actually a joy to watch,” he said.
“It’s just, as I said, it’s exciting, it’s exhilarating, the lengthening of stride he can be up, back in and out, and that’s what a barrier does.
“The part I love the most was when he stalked, and he just kept him in a rhythm and Tyler and I had discussions just before he got on the horse. I said, look, just please get him in a rhythm, get to the top of the rise and let him let down, and then let him explode if the race pans out that way.
“He’s electrifying; he’s run stupid time, but you know what? He’s right up there with him. And yeah, bring it on!”
Jimmysstar, who runs for the TAB in The Everest this year, was strong the closing stages making up ground to run a half-length second but was no match for the well backed winner who fended him off in the perfect lead-up into his next challenge.
“It was a small field, only seven in it,” Hawkes added.
“I was never worried about any other horse bar Jimmysstarr, he’s run enormous. He’s run second, but our blokes on-song.”
Mazu held for third by was beaten by nearly four lengths.
Hong Kong sensation Ka Ying Rising remains odds-on favourite in all-in betting on The Everest at $1.70 through Ladbrokes.com.au with Briasa in from $8 to $6.
Hawkes is confident however that the visitor is far from a sure thing and Briasa will make his presence known in the big one.
“I’ve always been excited. It’s not a one-horse race; it never has been. We’ve been lucky enough to have another great horse we’ve traveled, and I know how hard it can be,” he said.
“So, for Ka Ying Rising, everything needs to go right. He’s in our backyard now, and it’s great for the sport.
“It’s a legendary race that’s shaping into something special but there are horses in there that can win this and this is one of them.”
Schiller was thrilled with the way Briasa quickened and believes he’s still got plenty of improvement to come.
“Yeah, it all went to script for him, and he quickened up, didn’t he? He put them away very comfortably those first two today,” he said.
“I thought he ran really well first up, just peaked on his run and today we saw him that little bit tighter and fitter, and he’s definitely on track.
“I think he just keeps learning that little bit more. He’s come back a lot more relaxed than last prep, and although he won his Group 1 last prep, he’s still got improvement.
“He’s still a big baby, the way he quickened up today, he got to the front, and I felt him just hesitate for a bit and then when I asked him that last bit to extend again, he’s put them away.
“But I still think there’s more improvement, which is scary. I think third up his, and even in the coming years he might just keep improving into his five and six-year-old season.”
Think About It (2023) remains the only horse to date to complete the Premiere Stakes – The Everest double.
| 2. Briasa (2) J: Tyler Schiller58.5kg 414x2T: M, W & J Hawkes | ||
| 1. Jimmysstar (7) J: Ethan Brown58.5kg 341x5T: Ciaron Maher | ||
| 4. Mazu (6) J: Jason Collett58.5kg 16x54T: Joseph Pride | ||
| 5. Jedibeel (3) J: Kerrin McEvoy58.5kg 028x8T: Brad Widdup | ||
| 6. Private Harry (5) J: Tim Clark58.5kg 1x1x5T: Nathan Doyle | ||
| 3. Iowna Merc (1) J: Josh Parr58.5kg 1100xT: Bjorn Baker | ||
| 7. Tiger Shark (4) J: Nash Rawiller56.5kg 9x441T: Clayton Douglas |
CHANCES ARE YOU’RE ABOUT TO LOSE.
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