Menari stakes claim for Everest climb

Menari has claimed Sydney’s first three-year-old feature of the new season.

Menari has claimed Sydney’s first three-year-old feature of the new season to give his trainer cause to spruik his chances against all comers in The Everest.

Gerald Ryan put the $10 million race firmly on centre stage after the colt took out Saturday’s Listed Rosebud (1100m) at Rosehill.

He indicated there had been discussions with slot holders for a place in the subscription-only race.

“I haven’t gone to them. They’ve been talking to me,” Ryan said.

“I think this horse is a sprinter and the three-year-olds get into The Everest with a good weight.

“He is a very good horse but you have to see them come back and do it.

“And I’m pleased to see him get a good track.”

Menari ($3.70) played second fiddle to the previously unbeaten Siege Of Quebec in markets for the Rosebud (1100m) but came out well and truly on top.

Siege Of Quebec led with Josh Parr letting Menari settle in the pack.

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As the leader made his run in the straight, the hulking figure of Menari loomed and swept past him to win by 1-1/4 lengths.

“I decided to let the other horse lead and get cover,” Parr said.

“He (Menari) is a fantastic horse and I was confident in his ability to get the job done.”

Menari showed his talent early with a debut win in January followed by a second to Pariah in the Canonbury Stakes.

Wet autumn tracks dented his brilliance with his best performance from three starts his fourth in the Golden Slipper after he was demoted from third on protest.

He spent his time off at owner George Altomonte’s Corumbene Stud where he grew a little more and came to the races at 16.2 hands and about 570kg.

“He had a good spell up at Corumbene and it’s good to see him come back,” Altomonte said.

“He is a big horse. He’s a good horse and could be up with some of the best I’ve had but it’s pretty hard to go past Overreach.”

The Altomonte-owned and bred Overreach won the 2013 Golden Slipper.

Menari was posted at $26 for The Everest after the win and $15 for the Golden Rose (1400m) an option Ryan said was unlikely.