Everest flagged for Caravaggio following 2017 Commonwealth Cup victory

Darryl Sherer - Saturday June 24

Trainer Aidan O'Brien flagged the $10 million Everest at Randwick in October for Caravaggio following a brilliant win in Friday's Group I Commonwealth Cup (6f) at Royal Ascot.

Caravaggio came through late to take the Commonwealth Cup. Photo: Ascot Racecourse

Punters that took the odds-on had a minor palpitation when Caravaggio reared in the barriers before the stalls opened and then was half a step slow to begin, Ryan Moore settling midfield as Harry Angel shot off in front.

Harry Angel was clear with two furlongs to go, Moore getting busy on Caravaggio (5/6 fav) before switching towards the inside rail and the three-year-old quickened up in good style to go on and defeat Harry Angel (11/4) by three-quarters of a length.

Blue Point (9/2) finished half a length away third, the trip completed in 1:13.49 on good to firm ground.

O'Brien told Racing UK the unbeaten Caravaggio is the fastest horse he has trained.

"He's obviously a brilliant horse. It was only his second run back and we've been afraid to do too much because we didn't want to lose that brilliance that he has," O'Brien said.

"Ryan gave him a brilliant ride and his change of pace is unbelievable.

"He's very quick - I don't think we've ever had a quicker horse and he's very brave. I'd say there's plenty more to come - he was asleep today.

"I'd imagine the July Cup is what the lads would be thinking of - we've been a bit careful with him because they have it in their heads thinking of the Everest in Australia in the autumn."

Moore said Caravaggio was made to work for the win, his sixth from six starts.

"I think that was a proper race, he's beaten two very good horses there," Moore said.

"There's quite a head wind and it's hard to make up ground in it today and yesterday. They made him work but he was going away at the end.

"They were very good horses in front of me and they weren't stopping.

"I think that was a very good performance as he's beaten two very good horses. He's a good colt."

Caravaggio is the fourth winner this week and the seventh at Royal Ascot since 2013 for Scat Daddy.

Sportsbet has Caravaggio available at $9 for The Everest behind the $4.80 favourite Chautauqua.

 
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