Redzel to stake claim for The Everest

Group One-winner Redzel starts the audition process for a start in the $10 million Everest when he resumes racing sooner than originally planned at Randwick.

Trainers Peter and Paul Snowden were originally going to wait for The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on September 16, but Redzel’s comeback has been fast-tracked to Saturday’s Group Three Concorde Stakes (1000m).

The Concorde and the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 29 will give the Doomben 10,000 winner the chance to push his Everest claims.

“If he happened to win on Saturday it may sew up a spot for him but it’s not the be all and end all,” Paul Snowden said.

“His Moonee Valley run is probably going to be vital to getting a start in The Everest.”

An impressive work-out on Tuesday convinced the father and son training partnership to send him to the Concorde.

“He’s gathered himself up nicely from that second trial (on August 21) so we’ll run him instead of waiting for The Shorts,” Snowden said.

“He’s ready to go and it gives him a good month to the Moir. That’s how we like to space his runs.”

He thought Redzel was capable of bettering his previous preparation which also featured placings in the Group One Galaxy and Group Two Challenge Stakes.

“He showed last time in he can race at Group One level and compete extremely well, and there’s been improvement,” Snowden said.

“He’s relaxing through those mid sections where he used to want to rip and tear a little bit too much.

“He’s controlling himself quite and he’s providing a really big kick in the end.”

Island Missile is the Snowdens’ other runner at Randwick with the three-year-old making his Sydney debut in a Benchmark 75 Handicap (1300m).

He is after his third win in a row after his maiden success at Wyong on August 4, and another victory at Kembla Grange a fortnight later.

“He’s an immature horse but he deserves a crack at this,” Snowden said.