Switzerland raises hand for The Everest

Coolmore’s slot for The Everest is up in the air after colt Switzerland put himself back on the map in winning the Roman Consul Stakes at Rosehill.

The discussions now begin for the global breeding empire with consultations between Switzerland’s trainer Chris Waller and trainers of incumbent slot nominee Storm Boy, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

Switzerland ($6) needed to win the Group 2 event over 1200-metres to impress enough and stake a claim towards the $20 million race over the same distance at Randwick in seven days.

He did it in significant enough fashion to have Tom Magnier now leaving the door wide open for a switch.

“We’re in a fortunate position,” Magnier said.

“This certainly gives us something to think about tonight (and) Chris has had a huge opinion of this horse all the time.

“Obviously he got injured in the Golden Slipper and has had bad luck.

“We came here with belief.”

Switzerland finished last in the field of nine in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) four weeks earlier but Chris Waller had identified the reasons behind it.

“He just got himself worked up first-up which is not him, Waller said.

“It was out of character. He’s actually a beautifully natured horse (but) just had him too fresh first-up and we rode him too close. It just wasn’t a pretty moment.”

Sydney’s unflattering weather forecast over the coming week is a factor in Coolmore’s that Magnier describes as “significant” with the likelihood is high of a call not being made until Sunday night or Monday morning.

Up to 30 millimetres of rain is predicted to fall in the metropolitan area throughout the week and Magnier intends to take every moment their team can to have as much clarity on that front as possible.

Switzerland won the Roman Consul Stakes by a two-length margin over $3.30 favourite Coleman was mas making late ground over the last 200-metres.

*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.