Horse Racing Tips for The Everest 2026

Neil Evans’ Group 1 The Everest 2026 Preview & Tips

The Everest Speed Map

Leaders

Blue Door looks the most likely leader, using her natural speed to cross from a wider barrier.

Savvy Hallie should also push forward from a middle draw, ensuring the early tempo is genuine.

On-Pace

Ka Ying Rising has the versatility to slide across and settle immediately behind the leading pair.

His draw should allow his rider to keep him away from the inside fence while maintaining a position close to the speed.

Ninja is expected to settle just inside the favourite, enjoying a favourable stalking position.

Midfield

Caballus should work across into the next group, with Joliestar and Spicy Martini both well drawn to secure economical runs.

Angel Capital can settle around midfield from his inside barrier, while Headwall is likely to race a little wider.

Tempted should settle just behind that group, although her inside draw could create traffic problems when the pressure goes on.

Backmarkers

Jimmysstar will naturally settle in the final third of the field before attempting to unleash his powerful finishing burst.

Giga Kick, who has drawn even wider, is also expected to settle towards the rear.

 

How Will The Everest Unfold?

The presence of Blue Door and Savvy Hallie should ensure a genuine tempo from the outset.

Ka Ying Rising looks ideally positioned to track that speed before accelerating into the race approaching the final 300m.

His ability to travel comfortably at high speed gives him an enormous advantage, particularly if he can find clear running away from the fence.

For Jimmysstar, the challenge is considerably greater.

He'll need the leaders to maintain a strong tempo, allowing him to build momentum from around the 550m before producing his devastating finishing sprint.

If the track remains genuinely wet and the leaders begin to tire, the race could set up for a spectacular late challenge.

But if Ka Ying Rising reaches the 300m travelling comfortably, his rivals will have an enormous task catching him.

 

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The Everest 2026 – Runner-by-Runner Preview

 1. Ka Ying Rising $1.40

The defending Everest champion returns as the clear horse to beat, and his remarkable record speaks for itself.

Hong Kong's greatest sprinter is chasing an incredible 22nd consecutive victory, having established himself as the highest-rated racehorse in the world.

What makes him so difficult to beat is his ability to combine effortless cruising speed with an explosive turn of foot.

Interestingly, his wider draw could prove an advantage rather than a disadvantage.

With Blue Door and Savvy Hallie expected to establish a strong early tempo, Ka Ying Rising should be able to work across and settle just behind them.

That position gives him the opportunity to remain away from the inside fence and accelerate into clear running when the pressure goes on.

If the field begins shifting away from the rail over the final 300m, he should already be in the ideal position to capitalise.

The only genuine question surrounds the track conditions.

He's won his sole previous start on soft ground, but that doesn't necessarily guarantee the same level of performance on a genuinely chopped-up, rain-affected surface.

A Soft 7 or worse would introduce an element of uncertainty that isn't reflected in his current price.

There's no disputing his extraordinary talent, and he's clearly the most likely winner.

But at $1.50, he's too short for mine.

I'd have him closer to $1.90, particularly with the possibility of further rain.

Verdict: The benchmark runner and deserved favourite, but vulnerable at the price if conditions deteriorate.

 

 

 2. Jimmysstar $15.00

If Randwick remains a Soft 7 or worse, Jimmysstar becomes the standout danger to Ka Ying Rising.

His ability to produce extraordinary closing sectionals on rain-affected ground is among the best in Australasia.

That was demonstrated again in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes, where he stormed home from near last to claim a brilliant victory.

It was a performance built around his exceptional ability to sustain a powerful sprint when others are beginning to tire.

The challenge here is the race map.

Jimmysstar will again settle in the final third of the field, and he'll need a strong tempo to bring his finishing burst into play.

Ideally, he needs to begin building momentum from around the 550m, with the leaders maintaining enough pressure to create opportunities for those chasing.

Even with that scenario, running down Ka Ying Rising would be an enormous achievement.

But if the favourite becomes vulnerable late on a wet track, Jimmysstar is the horse most capable of capitalising.

At $14 or better, the price is attractive enough to take that chance.

Verdict: The leading upset chance and my preferred each-way bet, particularly if the track remains genuinely rain-affected.

 

 

 3. Giga Kick $34.00

The 2022 Everest winner returns with blinkers applied in an attempt to rediscover his best form.

At his peak, Giga Kick possessed one of the most devastating finishing bursts in Australian sprinting.

However, he hasn't been producing the same explosive final 400m sectionals that once made him such a formidable opponent.

His wide barrier adds another complication.

He's likely to settle a long way back and will need to make significant ground against some of the world's best sprinters.

The blinkers could provide a spark, but there are too many obstacles to overcome.

Verdict: A former champion who needs a dramatic return to his best to threaten this field.

 

 

 4. Angel Capital $51.00

Angel Capital is a lightly raced stallion with a powerful finishing motor, making him one of the more intriguing outsiders.

His best performances have demonstrated genuine acceleration, and he has the ability to make ground quickly when presented at the right time.

However, Saturday's assignment comes with several challenges.

He's returning from a month between runs and dropping back 200m in distance.

That combination makes the task difficult against a field of specialist sprinters.

He should settle around midfield from his low draw before being saved for one finishing run.

But he'll need an almost perfect passage through the field, particularly if the inside lanes become inferior ground.

A firmer track would also be preferable.

Verdict: A minor upset chance with the ability to finish strongly, but needs everything to fall into place.

 

 

 5. Caballus $101.00

Caballus didn't produce anything particularly impressive when resuming behind Tempted.

However, his second-up record makes him difficult to dismiss completely.

He's won four of his five previous second-up appearances, suggesting he's capable of producing significant improvement with a run under his belt.

He should be able to work across and settle in the midfield group, giving himself an opportunity to travel comfortably before the sprint begins.

The concern is whether he possesses the class to match the leading contenders.

He would also be better suited by a drier racing surface.

Verdict: Capable of improving sharply second-up, but still a rough chance against this opposition.

 

 

 6. Headwall $51.00

Headwall is one of the forgotten runners in this year's Everest.

His unplaced performance in The Shorts has seen him drift out of favour, but his previous effort behind Tempted was much better than that result suggests.

He produced an excellent first-up performance before returning a fortnight later and failing to make the same impression.

His recent trial was encouraging enough to suggest he hasn't lost his ability.

With considerable early pressure expected, Headwall could be one of the runners capable of working into the finish at enormous odds.

He'll need the race run to suit, but there's enough in his recent form to give him some hope.

Verdict: A rough place chance who could add significant value to the exotics.

 

 

 7. Ninja $21.00

Ninja enters The Everest after a four-week break, having produced an eye-catching trial alongside Ka Ying Rising.

That performance attracted attention, but the important distinction is the gap in class between the two runners.

While Ninja might have a length of improvement to come, Ka Ying Rising has demonstrated the ability to produce performances several lengths superior to most of his rivals.

Ninja does have the benefit of a favourable draw and should secure a lovely stalking position close to the speed.

That could allow him to remain competitive for much of the race.

The concern is whether he can sustain his effort when the leading contenders unleash their finishing bursts.

Verdict: Maps well and should enjoy a favourable run, but may struggle to match the strongest finishers late.

 

 

 8. Joliestar $21.00

Joliestar is a top-class mare who deserves serious respect.

Her first-up performance in The Shorts was outstanding, and she brings an excellent record over the Randwick 1200m course into this assignment.

She also comes through the same trial involving Ka Ying Rising and Ninja, providing another useful reference heading into the race.

Importantly, she's drawn to enjoy a favourable run and should be able to settle in the midfield group without doing unnecessary work.

Her proven ability at the track and distance is a major positive, particularly in a race where several rivals have questions to answer.

She may not possess the same extraordinary brilliance as Ka Ying Rising, but she has the quality to be competitive at this level.

Verdict: A genuine each-way chance and one of the leading contenders for the minor placings.

 

 

 9. Tempted $5.00

Tempted arrives at The Everest in outstanding form after winning both Group 2 lead-up races.

Her latest victory was particularly impressive, producing a brilliant finishing burst to justify her short price.

She couldn't have been prepared much better for this assignment.

Her record on rain-affected ground is another significant positive, having won all four previous starts on soft tracks.

That makes her one of the runners best equipped to handle any deterioration in conditions.

However, the inside barrier is a concern.

She'll need clear running at the right time, and if the field begins shifting away from the fence, her rider could face a difficult decision.

Despite that, her recent form is impossible to ignore.

Verdict: An obvious winning threat with an ideal preparation, although the inside draw creates a tactical concern.

 

 

 10. Spicy Martini $101.00

Spicy Martini earned her place among the leading sprinters with victory in the Stradbroke Handicap during the winter.

However, that success came under a light weight in what appeared a relatively weak edition of the race.

She exceeded market expectations in The Shorts, producing a performance that deserves credit.

Her liking for rain-affected ground is another positive heading into Saturday.

She also draws well enough to secure an economical midfield position.

But the overall depth of this Everest field presents a significantly tougher challenge.

Verdict: Handles wet ground and can run better than her odds suggest, but this looks beyond her.

 

 

 11. Savvy Hallie $51.00

Savvy Hallie secured her place in the Everest field following two courageous performances at Group 2 level.

Those efforts demonstrated her competitiveness, and she has the natural speed to be prominent from the outset.

She should push forward from her middle barrier and help establish the early tempo alongside Blue Door.

However, the class difference between those recent assignments and this Everest field is substantial.

She'll need to produce a career-best performance to remain competitive when the pressure goes on.

Verdict: Likely to contribute to the early speed, but should be at triple-figure odds against this opposition.

 

 

 12. Blue Door $51.00

Blue Door is one of the most interesting outsiders in the race.

The flying three-year-old has the early speed to cross from her wide draw and establish the lead.

Importantly, she carries just 51.5kg, giving her a significant weight advantage over the older sprinters.

That combination could allow her to take the field a long way into the Randwick straight.

The challenge will come over the final 100m.

After setting a strong tempo against elite opposition, she may begin to feel the pressure as the leading contenders launch their finishing runs.

However, her light weight and natural speed make her more than capable of holding on for a minor placing.

Verdict: A big-priced place chance who could give her supporters a tremendous sight in front.

 

 

The Emergencies

The following runners are listed as emergencies and would require a scratching to gain a start.

13. Overpass – First Emergency

14. Charm Stone – Second Emergency

15. Skybird – Third Emergency

16. Marhoona – Fourth Emergency

Their prospects would need to be reassessed if they gain a place in the final field.

 

Neil Evans’ Best Bet – Jimmysstar Each-Way ($14+)

There is no question that Ka Ying Rising is the most talented horse in The Everest.

But at the current prices, Jimmysstar is the runner I want to back each-way.

His extraordinary finishing ability on wet ground gives him a genuine opportunity to challenge the favourite if the conditions remain rain-affected.

The closing sectionals he's produced over the past 12 months have been among the most impressive we've seen, particularly when racing on soft and heavy tracks.

Of course, he needs the right race shape.

He'll have to settle back, secure a strong pace to chase and find the ideal run into the race from around the 550m.

Even then, catching Ka Ying Rising would be an enormous achievement.

But at $14 or better, I'm prepared to take that chance.

 

I'll also be looking to play the exotics around the obvious standout.

Exactas, Trifectas and First Fours centred on Ka Ying Rising, with Jimmysstar, Joliestar, Tempted and Blue Door included, provide another way to approach the race.

The track conditions will ultimately be the deciding factor in how aggressively to play.

If Randwick remains a Soft 7 or worse, Jimmysstar becomes an even more attractive proposition.

 

 

Neil Evans’ Everest Top Five

Rank	Runner
1	Jimmysstar
2	Ka Ying Rising
3	Joliestar
4	Tempted
5	Blue Door

 

Neil’s Everest 2026 Verdict

Ka Ying Rising is an extraordinary racehorse and deserves his position as the clear favourite.

His tactical speed, devastating acceleration and ability to settle close to the pace give him every opportunity to successfully defend his Everest crown.

But the potential for genuinely wet conditions introduces enough uncertainty to oppose him at such a short price.

 

Jimmysstar is the standout alternative.

His powerful finishing burst on rain-affected ground makes him the runner most capable of capitalising if the favourite becomes vulnerable over the final stages.

Joliestar and Tempted are genuine chances to finish in the money, while Blue Door could give punters a huge sight from the front at big odds.

 

Best Bet: Jimmysstar Each-Way – $14 or Better

Check out all my early selections at The Great Tip Off for Group 1 The Everest Day at Royal Randwick this Saturday.