I Wish I Win trainer unfazed by unwanted draw for The Everest
Most connections would probably celebrate an inside draw for their horse to be able to dictate big races.
But when the '1' appeared for The Everest favourite I Wish I Win at the high-tech barrier reveal on Sydney Harbour, some hearts were left a touch deflated.
Not those of the gelding's trainer Peter Moody though.
"I was asleep when the barrier draw was done last night, I couldn't tell you where any of the others were drawn to be quite honest," an always-honest Moody said from his training base in Pakenham.
"At the end of the day, I'm not riding him so he's not my problem!"
That "problem" over the 1200 metres will be left to jockey Luke Nolen to solve. The Waikato Stud bred-and-owned runner has left punters and followers in awe with his stunning turn-of-foot to win some of the biggest sprint races in Australia - the TJ Smith Stakes and $10 million Golden Eagle.
Connections were hoping for a wider draw for him to be able to comfortably get back and not be trapped by the fence, potentially leaving his lunge at the line to a lot of luck.
Some are now pondering whether he may run closer to the speed in an attempt to dictate the pace of the race himself.
"Luke will come up with a plan between now and Saturday. It's only Wednesday, there's a long time to go," Moody added.
He was raised at Waikato Stud and left alone to grow out of the problem - a chance at a race career though seemed much slimmer than most. But here he is, and Moody's proud to be helping the Kiwi connection claim the Aussie spoils at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
"It's pretty special for all of us really. New Zealand horses have been a massive part of our Australian culture for a lot of years, probably not so much in our sprinting ranks more in our three-year-old middle distance ranks, but this bloke's probably broken the mould a bit there.
He's gone above and beyond I suppose so if he stirs something inside the Kiwis I'm all for it."
And he's ready to rumble. His last raceday outing a decent second over 1400 metres to star Australian Mr Brightside. Since then he's had an exhibition gallop while being ticked along by Moody and co-trainer Katherine Coleman. They couldn't be more pleased with their runner.
But Moody, who trained Australian racing great Black Caviar to her world record unbeaten career of 25 wins from 25 starts, is keeping any possible thought of scaling The Everest at bay for now.
"I haven't done it before, hasn't been too many of them. I don't know what the experience will be like, but I'm looking forward to it."
The race is timed to go at 6:15pm NZT.
