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By Ray Hickson

Wild Ruler won’t just be making up the numbers in next month’s TAB Everest – that’s dual Everest winning trainer Peter Snowden’s assertion after the four-year-old was selected by Yulong Investments to run in the $15m race.

Trainers Paul (left) and Peter Snowden. (Pic: Bradley Photos).

On the back of his Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) win at Moonee Valley, where he defeated The Inferno who was also snapped up for the Everest, Snowden said Wild Ruler is taking his place in the Everest at the perfect time.

A year ago, after he won the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes, the horse’s connections elected to knock back an Everest invite.

“He’s been getting better and better each time he’s come in,’’ Snowden said.

“This could be his time now he’s four and he’s got the experience of racing at a good level.

“He’s a seasoned player and he showed plenty of grit on Friday night. I’m confident he won’t just be a number, he’ll be a leading contender.

“The only glitch in his armour is wet ground, if the gods are good to us he’ll definitely be in the race.”

Wild Ruler was announced as a TAB Everest runner on the anniversary of his win in the Listed Heritage Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill and in the autumn he won the Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint (1200m) at Randwick where he’s won four of his six races.

His only defeat at Randwick came first-up this spring where he chased Nature Strip home in the Concorde Stakes (1000m) and his Moir win showed he’s improved from that effort.

Of course Peter and Paul Snowden prepared Redzel to win the first two editions of the TAB Everest and that experience in knowing what’s required was a factor in Yulong’s decision to team up with the stable.

Sam Fairgray, Yulong’s Chief Operating Officer, said Yulong boss Mr Zhang is pleased to be partnering with Wild Ruler’s owners including Newgate and China Horse Club and the Snowden stable.

“Peter and Paul are geniuses at aiming a horse for a race and getting it right on the day so let’s hope they can do it again,’’ Fairgray said.

A brilliant edition of the Group 1 @CharterKC Moir Stakes! 🙌

Congratulations @SnowdenRacing1 and @daniel_moor #LoveTheValley

pic.twitter.com/pjcS1hpR17

— Moonee Valley Racing Club (@TheValley) September 24, 2021

“I think he was very impressive (at Moonee Valley), he is very good at Randwick, and the Snowdens have won the Everest twice previously. I think he’s a good tough horse and he will give it his best shot on the day.

“There’ll be enough pace on for him in an Everest to be sitting behind them and ready to let go.

“He’s now a fully matured horse, you’d think you’re going to see the best of him in the next few months.”

Wild Ruler is a $15 chance in TAB’s all-in Everest market.

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