While Golden Slipper winner Marhoona comfortably secured a trial victory at Hawkesbury, the real buzz surrounded two potential contenders for the prestigious $15 million The Everest race – Headwall and Jedibeel. Their compelling closing runs left onlookers impressed and sparked renewed excitement for Australia’s richest sprint.

Marhoona, trained by Matthew Smith, showed she’s in good form ahead of her upcoming campaign, cruising home in her heat. However, it was the performances of Headwall and Jedibeel that truly captivated the crowd. Both geldings demonstrated impressive stamina and determination, surging through the field in the final stages of their respective trials.

Headwall's Commanding Finish

Trained by Peter Snowden, Headwall, a son of I Am Invincible, has consistently shown glimpses of brilliance. His trial at Hawkesbury was another indication of his potential. After settling towards the back of the field, Headwall unleashed a powerful burst of speed, eating up ground with every stride. His late charge was particularly striking, suggesting he’s primed for a strong showing in the lead-up to The Everest. Snowden commented, “He’s really strengthened up nicely. He’s enjoying his work and he’s shown us plenty. He’s a horse with a lot of talent, and we’re excited to see what he can do.”

Jedibeel's Resilient Run

Jedibeel, trained by Bjorn Baker, is another horse generating considerable Everest chatter. This powerfully-built gelding displayed exceptional resilience in his trial, overcoming early traffic to finish strongly. Baker has been particularly pleased with Jedibeel’s progress, noting his improved fitness and mental fortitude. “He’s a tough horse, Jedibeel. He’s got a great attitude and he’s really responded well to his training. We’re aiming high with him, and The Everest is definitely on the radar,” Baker stated.

The Everest Landscape

The Everest, scheduled for October at Royal Randwick, is Australia’s premier sprint race and attracts some of the world’s best sprinters. With a prize pool of $15 million, it’s a magnet for both local and international talent. The emergence of Headwall and Jedibeel adds further intrigue to an already competitive field. Their performances at Hawkesbury suggest they are serious contenders who could potentially challenge the established stars.

While Marhoona's trial win was a positive sign for her connections, the spotlight undeniably shifted to Headwall and Jedibeel. The coming weeks will be crucial as these exciting prospects continue their preparations for a shot at The Everest glory. Racing fans eagerly await their next appearances, hoping to witness more of the thrilling performances displayed at Hawkesbury.

Looking Ahead

Both Headwall and Jedibeel are expected to have further race appearances before The Everest. Their trainers will carefully monitor their progress, ensuring they peak at the right time. The race for a coveted Everest slot is heating up, and these two geldings have firmly established themselves as horses to watch.