By Ray Hickson
They say seeing is believing but there’s also nothing like the real thing.
That would aptly describe jockey Corey Brown’s experience in the past week or so as he’s become acquainted with his Everest ride She Will Reign.
It will be Brown’s first race ride on the Golden Slipper winner but it’s safe to say he’s taking plenty of confidence into the $10m The TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
“I’ve only been on her in trackwork conditions but it was just confirming what I’ve seen,’’ Brown said.
“To get on her and have a feel of what I’ve viewed it has confirmed that she’s a superstar little horse.
“You can feel the motor behind you, she has a big hindquarter on her. She gives you the feel of a good horse.’’
Brown picked up the ride on the star filly a couple of days after her outstanding first-up win in the Moir Stakes.
Corey Brown discusses barrier 2 for She Will Reign in #TheEverest pic.twitter.com/qTbduNnqAI
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) October 10, 2017
She Will Reign is in a battle for Everest favouritism with Chautauqua and Vega Magic and the jockey said the fact his filly will jump from barrier two is a huge advantage.
“There’s still obviously another 11 runners I have to deal with but with a barrier draw like that (two) I can put her wherever she is happy,'' he said.
“Whether that’s running third or fourth, or fifth or sixth, it just makes life a hell of a lot easier.
“She’s drawn to get a soft enough run to show her superstar ability. With 51kg on her back she is going to be hard to hold out.’’
She Will Reign has only been beaten once in her six starts, that was in the Reisling Stakes over the Randwick 1200m prior to the Golden Slipper.
It’s been well documented the filly was purchased for just $20,000 and a win in The Everest would take her prizemoney total to a staggering $8.6 million from just seven starts - more than Black Caviar amassed in her 25 straight wins.
Check out the fields, form and replays for the Everest at Royal Randwick