English embarks on climb to Everest

English (right) begins her journey to the $10m Everest when she runs in The Shorts at Randwick.

English is primed to make a statement for The Everest, but it won’t necessarily be emphatic when the mare returns to racing at Randwick.

Despite an excellent first-up record of three from four, English’s co-trainer Adrian Bott was measured before the the five-year-old opens her spring preparation in The Shorts (1100m) on Saturday.

“We think she’ll be very competitive,” Bott, who trains in partnership with Gai Waterhouse, said.

“She does perform well fresh so we expect her to be figuring at the finish.”

English was fifth in The Shorts last year but this edition boasts a higher quality field, spearheaded by fellow Everest runners Redzel and Chautauqua.

Redzel is already race-fit after winning the Group Three Concorde Stakes (1000m) on September 2 while the world’s highest rated sprinter Chautauqua resumes after a typically smooth lead-in for Hawkes Racing.

“I’m very respectful of Redzel. I think he’s a very talented galloper,” Bott said.

“He’s very consistent. He’s got some form throughout his career and the fact he’s had a run is certainly an advantage for him.”

Given the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained favourite has a run on the board, Bott said it was probably more beneficial to measure English against Chautauqua and Fell Swoop who also start their Everest campaigns.

“Chautauqua, Fell Swoop, that’s the form line that she’s probably based herself around the last two seasons. They’re benchmarks for her going through this run as well,” Bott said.

English trialled with Blake Shinn aboard twice last month and he also rode her in a gallop on Tuesday.

“We’re very happy with everything she’s done to date. She’s nice and forward and if her physical appearance is anything to go off she’s thriving and enjoying her work,” Bott said.

The $10 million Everest is at Randwick on October 14 with English to represent slot holder Tabcorp while Chautauqua runs for his owners, Fell Swoop for Inglis and Redzel for James Harron Bloodstock.