The lead-up to the $20 million TAB Everest continues this Saturday, with the running of the Group 2 Shorts at Royal Randwick set to feature a host of Australia's best sprinters.
Mazu will run in the 1100m event on September 16th, while the likes of Private Eye and Overpass will be looking to stake their claim for a slot in next month's feature event.
Lost and Running - who was among the favourites for last year's Everest prior to being scratched - will be returning from a spell under the guidance of trainer John O'Shea.
The Shorts will be the eighth race on a 10-race card at Randwick and will jump at 4pm AEST.
The Shorts 2023 final field, barriers and betting odds
In Secret is the favourite to take out the Group 2 event, with the like of Overpass and Remarque also at single-figure odds leading into the race.
Odds courtesy of Dabble, correct as of September 15th. WHAT'S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU?
| Runner (Barrier) | Jockey | Trainer | Odds |
| 1. Private Eye (9) | Nash Rawiller | Joseph Pride | $10 |
| 2. Mazu (10) | Regan Bayliss | P & P. Snowden | $14 |
| 3. Lost And Running (8) | Chad Schofield | John O'Shea | $12 |
| 4. Overpass (1) | Josh Parr | Bjorn Baker | $5.50 |
| 5. In Secret (4) | Zac Lloyd | James Cummings | $3.00 |
| 6. Buenos Noches (3) | Dylan Gibbons | Matthew Smith | $8.00 |
| 7. Remarque (2) | Tyler Schiller | M, W & J. Hawkes | $7.50 |
| 8. Ruthless Dame (7) | Jason Collett | C.Maher/D.Eustace | $18 |
| 9. Hawaii Five Oh (5) | Adam Hyeronimus | G.Waterhouse/A.Bott | $11 |
| 10. Rocketing By (6) | Rachel King | David Pfieffer | $71 |
| 11. Athelric (12) | Jean van Overmeire | James Cummings | $51 |
| 12. Casino Lord (11) | Tom Sherry | Cody Morgan | $126 |
The Shorts 2023 betting preview and tips
This looms as a very evenly-matched race across the board, with plenty of potential winners and Everest candidates in the mix, especially given there are still seven slots open.
In Secret ($3.00) looks set to start as favourite and perhaps rightfully so, winning both her starts at this distance and producing a solid effort upon a return from a spell a fortnight ago in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes.
Behind the mare in the betting is Overpass ($5.50), who is a previous Group 2 winner and will be resuming from a spell, while Remarque ($7.00) will be looking to make it two-straight victories in his spring preparation.
First-up Everest hopefuls Private Eye ($10) and Mazu ($14) certainly can't be discounted in this race, especially considering both gallopers have proven winning records when fresh, while the return of Lost And Running ($12) presents an interesting scenario for the John O'Shea-trained star.
On a recent episode of The Leg Up Australia, expert Nick Lloyd believes the favourite is 'the horse to beat' - but it could be one of last year's Everest place-getters featuring into the finish.
“If Private Eye is back to his best… his first-up record is three from six," he said.
"Nash Rawiller goes on, there looks a good bit of speed in this – the race might really be one to suit Private Eye and I’m gonna give him one more chance."
Co-host Sam Wood is leaning towards the $3 favourite to take out the race and push on into the spring.
“I think it’s gotta be In Secret, I really do," he said.
THE LEG UP'S EXPERT TIP: Private Eye ($10) or In Secret ($3.00)
For more great horse racing tips, news & insights - visit THE LEG-UP AUSTRALIA.
