By Ray Hickson
Redkirk Warrior or Vega Magic?
That's the choice facing The Everest slot holder The Star on Monday after Redkirk Warrior put his credentials for the $10 million feature on show at Flemington.
The imported galloper served notice that he'll be an Everest force easily winning the Bobbie Lewis (1200m) down the Flemington straight and co-trainer Ben Hayes said it's now over to The Star to decide who they want representing them at Randwick on October 14.
"We thought he'd do that and it was good to see him do it,'' Hayes said.
"He's definitely coming to the Everest off that, I'm sure there's a big line up of people who want him.
"The Star have first selection from our yard to use and they have a good problem to have - Vega Magic or him.
"Whoever they don't choose the other one is up for grabs.''
The Star entered into an arrangement with the David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig stable to have their top seed run for them in The Everest and it's going to be a tough choice.
Prior to Redkirk Warrior's win it was Vega Magic that was the preferred choice of The Star, according to Hayes.
Vega Magic is unbeaten in two starts since joining the Lindsay Park team, including a Group 1 victory in the Memsie Stakes.
Hayes said the team has received "three or four enquiries'' about securing one of their sprinters and expects whichever horse isn't selected by The Star to be snapped up quickly.
Since the Memsie two weeks ago Vega Magic has been doing all his work on his Sydney leg and Hayes is confident he'll be well versed in the clockwise direction by next month.
"He's been ticking over at home, just doing maintenance work,'' Hayes said.
So far there are six confirmed runners for The Everest - Chautauqua, She Will Reign, Redzel, Houtzen, Fell Swoop and English. With Vega Magic and Redkirk Warrior expected to also be confirmed in the coming week only four slots will remain.