News

First-start Everage Single-minded

18th Jan 2013

Daily Telegraph - Brent Zerafa - Friday, 18 January 2013

SINGLE may be the flagship galloper of Craig Carmody's stable but he will feel a different type of pressure if Everage gets a start in the Inglis Classic at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow.

The unraced filly is part-owned by Victorian-based trainer Mick Kent, who formed a strong association with Carmody while both were working in Singapore more than a decade ago.

"How this came about is that we were at the (Inglis) Classic sale together looking at yearlings. This filly came up and we both liked her," he said.

"She captured our attention and only went for $20,000, so we thought we'd have some fun.

"We primarily bought her thinking she would be perfect for this race and here we are, we have nearly got there, just need to get a start in the field."

Everage is first emergency for the $250,000 race and was educated by Kent before arriving at Carmody's Randwick base.

"He took her home when we bought her. He broke her in and educated her and got her going," Carmody said.

"She has trialled well and has showed us a bit of ability. It is a very big ask, though, having her first start in a race of this quality. But you only get one chance with these restricted races for sales graduates.

"If she happens to get in and gets some luck in running, I think she will run a good race."

Carmody nominated Single (pictured) for the Doncaster Mile but is more concerned about making sure his talented galloper continues his rise through the grades in the Rosehill Gardens Handicap (1400m).

"The conditions for (tomorrow) aren't ideal given that he has drawn barrier 10 and the rail is out 8m," he said.

"It is a bit negative. I've got to admit that I was tempted to maybe not run but given the weather forecast is due to be suitable ... the last thing I want to do is run him when it is hot, so that is very tempting. The weather is in our favour.

"He needs to go to the races and I'm sure if there is a bit of speed on up front and he has a patient ride, I reckon he will hit the line hard.

"He is really going well. He is a little bit stronger, he is thicker. He was losing condition in the past, falling away a little bit after each run. This time he has come in a more full-bodied horse and he is standing up to the campaign much better, which is very encouraging."