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By Ray Hickson

For an “under rated” horse, Overpass has been the centre of more than his share of discussion around the role he’s set to play in Saturday’s $20m TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick.

Trainer Bjorn Baker used that term to describe the five-year-old and he’d say that because until this year he didn’t truly know what Overpass was capable of.

Even though he finished sixth behind Giga Kick in last year’s Everest, Baker said in 2023 – since Overpass has been gelded – he’s gone to a new level.

“I think we’ve learned he’s better with his runs spaced, he’s only had the three runs this year,’’ Baker said.

“He’s better over the shorter courses than out over further. He’s a horse I haven’t figured out in six months, it’s taken myself and the team a good year or two to realise he’s better up on speed and he’s better utilising that.

“He’s never worked like a top horse until the back end of last preparation.

“He’s been a remarkable horse, he’s my highest prizemoney earner and taken me all over Australia and been very competitive.

“I still think he’s probably under rated, I think he’s a better horse than people think and I hope he can show that this weekend.”

Overpass wins a Rosehill trial on October 3

There’s no doubt Overpass will have a big say in the result of the TAB Everest if he leads and, probably moreso, if for some reason he doesn't.

In his three runs this year he’s found the lead each time and managed to hold off Amelia’s Jewel in the $4m The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot in April, he ran Giga Kick to half a length in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 and was nailed by Private Eye in the final strides of the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) a month ago.

Baker said conditions will suit Overpass, $11 with TAB on Friday, and he has the right scenario to give owners and slot holders, ATC and RAM Racing, a big sight.

“If he couldn’t lead and he got in behind something it would be a disaster,’’ he said.

“I’m sure the backmarkers are going to have their chance. He was beaten 2.6 lengths last year and he’s definitely going a lot better than that.

“He’s a little bit more laid back now but the key to him is good tracks. He’s better on top of the ground even though he can get through a little cut in the track.

“It’s hard to get carried away in any race, it’s so competitive, but I look down the field and think we deserve a place and are definitely in with a hope.”

The Warwick Farm trainer is one of the more charismatic among the training ranks and while he’s put himself in the premiership top five regularly over the past few years he’s well aware what an Everest win could do for his stable’s profile.

“It’s become an iconic Sydney race in a very short period of time,’’ hew said.

“It’s a competitive game and to put that Everest on the mantlepiece would definitely help things.”

All the fields, form and replays for TAB Everest Day at Randwick on Saturday