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By Ray Hickson

With only two Everest slots remaining, the equation for Gary Moore and his Group 1 winning sprinter Takedown is simple.

He must make a statement in the Group 2 $500,000 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.

“He needs to perform otherwise there will be no chance of getting a slot in the Everest if one becomes available,’’ Moore said.

‘’At this stage I guess he’s running in the Lightning on Everest Day.’’

Takedown is the defending Premiere Stakes champion and he ran fifth behind Redzel in The Shorts, a race he also won last year, on September 16.

Moore gave the run a pass mark given he wasn’t completely wound up and struck some traffic but was only beaten 2.4 lengths.

“I wasn’t expecting much because he wasn’t quite right in the coat and there was a fitness question mark against him,’’ he said.

“He didn’t get into a great position between two horses so he was dictated from both sides. Tim (Clark) was happy with the run, another 30m he would have been a lot closer.’’

Moore is a big fan of the Everest concept which is part of the reason why he’s so keen to have a runner in the inaugural race.

Prior to Friday night and Saturday's racing, the Everest field is Chautauqua, English, Redzel, Fell Swoop, Houtzen, Deploy, She Will Reign, Brave Smash, Redkirk Warrior and Vega Magic.

Given he has a well credentialed Group 1 winning sprinter it’s no surprise Moore wants Takedown to join that group and has him set to peak on Everest day.

“He’s come forward since his first run which is very promising,’’ he said.

“We’re all going to be pushed to beat Chautauqua, his run was fantastic in the Shorts. To finish so close to him was a good run.

“From the good draw of six he’s going to be prominent and I expect a big run from him.’’

Among Moore’s Randwick runners is Group 2 placed All Too Huiying who will attempt to break his maiden status in the Listed $125,000 Dulcify Quality (1600m).

All Too Huiying ran third in a 1200m maiden at Newcastle when resuming and Moore has announced a change of tactics on Saturday to offset the outside barrier.

“We’re going to ride him back like we did in the Champagne in Brisbane,’’ he said.

“He’s well and I expect him to run well. He’s probably one of the best maidens in Australia.’’

Check out the fields, form and replays for Royal Randwick on Saturday