Bjorn Baker readying Overpass for big return in The Everest at Randwick

After winning The Quokka all the way back in April, Overpass has been spelled at Bjorn Baker’s stable in Warwick Farm. Now, the trainer says Overpass is ready for a comeback.

The Group 1 winner raced in a trial run on 16 September at Rosehill. That race was preparation for a potential huge comeback in October. Baker says that he thinks Overpass could make his return in The Everest at Randwick Racecourse on 19 October. As far as comebacks go, it doesn’t get much bigger than that.

“Unfinished business” for Overpass

Speaking this week about what’s next for his stable, trainer Bjorn Baker revealed that he has big plans for one of his stars, Overpass.

After racing in an open trial at Rosehill two weeks ago and in an exhibition race at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, Baker says Overpass is hoping to earn a spot in this year’s Everest at Randwick on 19 October.

“If he made The Everest, we’d be delighted to go in,” Baker revealed.

Overpass finished 10th in the $20 million race last year, following his runner-up performance in The Shorts to secure qualification. That result was not good enough, according to Baker.

“I think we’ve got some unfinished business,” he said.

He is extremely good fresh and I think you can argue he’s going better than ever and his form is as consistent as any sprinter in Australia, with the one exception being last year’s Everest.”

Jockey talks up chances

Baker is not the only one confident of Overpass’ form after such a long layoff. The geldings’ regular jockey, Josh Parr, also thinks Overpass is in a good position for his comeback this October.

“From what we’ve seen at home, he is probably slightly ahead of where he needs to be. We’ll be able to mimic what we’ve done before,” Parr said.

The jockey rode Overpass at Warwick Farm last week. He thinks he and the Group 1 winner need maybe two more runs to be fully ready.

“We will probably give him another trial on (October fourth) and possibly another race day experience two weeks before (19 October), which tends to work pretty well for him.

“I’m thrilled with him. He is doing everything very well at this stage. He has been very lightly raced and I think that has held him in good stead. He’s six, you can argue he’s still getting to his best.”

Early Everest betting odds

As confident as Baker and Parr about Overpass and his potential return, the Everest betting odds are more lukewarm on the gelding’s status.

Most betting sites give Overpass $19 chances to win–just behind Ciaron Maher’s I Am Me ($17) and Blue Diamond Stakes winner Hayasugi ($21). At $19, Overpass is well outside the current top ten most likely to win.

I Wish I Win ($5), Giga Kick ($7), and Growing Empire ($7) are the clear top three favourites, with three-time Group 1 winner Bella Nipotina ($8) and James Cummings’ Traffic Warden ($9.50) rounding out the top five.

Only 12 sprinters will actually race in the $20 million race, so some of these current Everest betting odds leaders are sure to miss out. The field will be announced sometime before the barrier draw on 22 October.

If Overpass doesn’t earn a spot, the plan is for him to run in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes at Randwick on the same day as The Everest.