Meet the Contenders: The Everest 2025

Meet the horses running in the world’s richest turf race, the A$20 million ($13.2 million) Everest at Randwick racecourse in Sydney, early Saturday morning, 1:15 a.m. ET. For each horse in the 1,200-meter (about six-furlong) contest, we’re listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents the opportunity to perform well.

Please note: the number listed before the horse’s name is the saddlecloth number, while the number listed after the horse's name is their starting gate. Saddlecloth numbers in the Everest are determined first by weight carried and then by official rating.

#2 BRIASA (10) ****

Pro: One of Australia’s best sprinters the past year. Great victory in the Premiere (G2) two weeks ago.

Con: Drawn a tricky barrier. Does he have the class of Ka Ying Rising?

#3 OVERPASS (9) ***

Pro: Freshest horse in the race and looked good in the trial last week. Proven and honest.

Con: Hasn’t finished closer than sixth in two previous attempts at this race.

#4 JIMMYSTAR (11) ***

Pro: Classy sprinter with explosive finish. Premiere second shows he’s on track.

Con: Can get too far back at six furlongs. Possibly better at seven furlongs.

#5 WAR MACHINE (4) ***

Pro: Has won four on end, including at the Group 1 level. Great return under topweight in Gilgai (G2).

Con: Would be a stronger chance over seven furlongs.

#6 MAZU (2) **

Pro: Rarely runs a bad race. Improved showing for third in Premiere.

Con: Hasn’t won a Group 1 race in more than three years.

#7 JEDIBEEL (8) *

Pro: Improved effort for fourth in Premiere. Has won at the Group 2 level on this track.

Con: Has been found lacking at this level previously.

#8 ANGEL CAPITAL (3) **

Pro: Won well fresh before nice fourth in the seven-furlong Rupert Clarke (G1).

Con: Appears to lack the class of some of these at six furlongs.

#9 JOLIESTAR (5) ****

Pro: High-class mare with multiple Group 1 wins. Great victory on return over Briasa in Shorts (G2).

Con: Has misfired previously over this distance at Randwick, including 7th in this last year.

#10 LADY SHENANDOAH (6) ***

Pro: Outstanding three-year-old filly last term up to one mile. Two nice prep runs this campaign.

Con: Unknown against males and may prefer longer than six furlongs.

#11 MAGIC TIME (12) **

Pro: Dual Group 1 winner, including at Randwick. Two good lead-in races in Melbourne.

Con: Has found some of these too quick at the top level previously. Horror barrier.

#12 TEMPTED (1) ***

Pro: Returned to racing in style in Run to Rose (G2). Three-year-olds have a good record in this.

Con: A little disappointing in Golden Rose (G1) behind Beiwacht. Hasn’t won in three G1 attempts.