Latest News

By Ray Hickson

Lost And Running confirmed his place as a serious challenger to Nature Strip in the $15 million TAB Everest with a gutsy win in the Premiere Stakes but he wasn’t the only contender to have connections brimming.

Trainer John O'Shea (Pic: Steve Hart)

In an exciting finish to the Group 2 $1m Bisley Workwear Premiere Stakes (1200m), Lost And Running had a neck to spare over Mazu with a head to Masked Crusader, who flashed along the fence in third.

Trainer John O’Shea said the six-year-old is on track for his October 15 grand final while Mazu’s co-trainer Peter Snowden ominously declared “see you in two weeks” after his fighting second.

“It’s bloody exciting to have a horse in a race like an Everest that’s a chance,’’ O’Shea said.

“He’s going to come on so much for that. He was probably on empty with 100m to go but he got the job done and we can go to the big race in a couple of weeks with our tail in the air and hopefully get another win.

“It is a great result for the stable, the owners, and everyone involved.”

The gelding held his place as TAB Everest second favourite at $6, Mazu firmed to have the third line to himself at $9 while Masked Crusader is an $11 chance. Overpass, who also holds a TAB Everest slot, ran sixth but remained $15.

Peter Snowden was brimming after Mazu came off the canvas to push Lost And Running, who looked to go straight past the four-year-old halfway down the straight, and said he will be a force in the Everest.

“He’s done everything I wanted him to,’’ Snowden said.

“His first run I wanted him to run 2-1/2 lengths off them and he did. Second start I wanted him to run one-two, he did. He’ll be number one in two weeks time.”

Jockey Hugh Bowman parked Lost And Running on the back of Overpass in the run but when that horse didn’t take him into the race he was forced to do the work himself.

That was what pleased O’Shea the most, that he overcame some adversity as well as a track that he’s not overly comfortable on and has the fingers crossed for close to a good track for Everest Day.

“Hugh just took all the luck out of it and gave him a lovely sweet ride in transit,’’ O’Shea said.

“He got no cart into the race so he’s had to make a really long run in testing ground. He was probably on empty with 100m to go but Hugh cuddled him and got the job done.

“We just want to give him the best chance to be in the finish (in the Everest). Third-up he’s going to really peak, so who knows. If we got on top of the ground in a couple of weeks it’ll suit him better.”

Bowman said having the benefit of running fourth in the Everest last year is evident in Lost And Running this spring and is adamant he’s in a better place.

“I was supremely confident going into the race and he’s going to improve again off this into the Everest,’’ he said.

Lost And Running wins the Premiere Stakes

“What I’d love to get though is better track conditions, not that it’s anyone’s fault, it’s just the rain we’ve had.

“But if we get a fine week Everest week, it’s going to assist the others too, but I think you’ll see the best of him. Not necessarily firm ground, but just not the heavy.”

There are 10 confirmed runners two weeks out from the TAB Everest with only James Harron Bloodstock and Godolphin to reveal their representatives.

Check out the replays and results from Royal Randwick