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By Ray Hickson

The Australian Turf Club has moved a step closer to announcing its Everest representative by shortlisting five horses in contention for their slot.

Darren Pearce, ATC chief executive, revealed on Sky Sports Radio on Tuesday the five contenders as Brave Smash, Clearly Innocent, Global Glamour, Le Romain and Redzel.

"They all bring together different form lines, they are all tough gallopers and we'll be watching them closely,'' Pearce said.

"We'll be now able to see them have their first or second runs in their preparation.''

A total of 24 expressions of interest were taken by the ATC for their slot both from home and overseas and Pearce said announcing a short list enables connections of those that aren't being considered to make other plans.

"We wanted to be transparent in announcing a short list so others that applied can make appropriate arrangements,'' he said.

JUST IN: ATC announces shortlist for our #TheEverest slot. The 5 runners are- Brave Smash, Clearly Innocent, Global Glamour,Le Romain Redzel pic.twitter.com/JWnirNn0cc

— Australian Turf Club (@atc_races) September 4, 2017

"As we know anything can happen in racing and there's a great support program to aim for.''

Three of the five on the ATC's list have raced this spring with Redzel winning the Concorde Stakes last Saturday, Japanese galloper Brave Smash ran second to Vega Magic in the Regal Roller Stakes and Le Romain was runner-up in the Missile before finishing fifth in the Memsie Stakes.

Global Glamour hasn't trialled as yet this preparation and is expected to resume in the Premiere Stakes at the end of the month while Clearly Innocent may take his place in The Shorts against Everest runners Chautauqua, Fell Swoop and English.

Pearce said all five horses have the right credentials for the $10 million race on October 14.

"The shortlisted horses have diverse groups of owners, including large syndicates such as Triple Crown, Australian Bloodstock, an international group of women owners in Global Glamour, an established industry investor in Cressfield and another large partnership group in Le Romain,'' he said.

"Now that we have shortlisted, we can commence detailed negotiations with each of the five groups of connections and their trainers as they further plan preparations towards The Everest.

"Waiting a little longer to make our final decision also allows us to continue to monitor the form of each of the five thoroughbreds over the coming weeks.''