The Everest could be calling for Gerald Ryan’s brilliant three-year-old Trapeze Artist if he doesn’t head off to stud after his third Group 1 success and second on the trot in Saturday’s All Aged Stakes 2018 results.

Trapeze Artist made it two Group 1 wins over the older horses on the trot with a tight victory in the 2018 All Aged Stakes at Randwick. Photo: Steve Hart.

The son of Snitzel was a short-priced favourite in the Group 1 $600,000 All Aged Stakes (1400m) after his two length lead-up win over champion sprinter Redzel in the TJ Smith Stakes.

Still there were a few doubters saying the colt, who also won last spring’s Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) against his own age, couldn’t put together two big Group 1 autumn victories.

Jockey Tye Angland was always confident however and was thrilled to jump back aboard the bay who handed him a third Group 1 from four rides with the fighting late win over the Kris Lees-trained Le Romain.

“It’s a privilege to be a part of it,” Angland said post-victory.

“I’ve had four rides for three Group 1 wins on him now so it’s been a hell of a ride that’s for sure.

“I was confident. He’s got plenty of talent…have a look at him, he’s just a little star.”

Le Romain improved on a lead-up fourth in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m), the multiple Group 1 winning Hard Spun five-year-old running second in the All Aged Stakes quinella for the second year on the trot.

In third was another of the three-year-old in the mix, the Team Hawkes-trained $17 shot Showtime.

Also a son of Snitzel, the last start Arrowfield 3YO Sprint runner-up tried to lead all-the-way in the All Aged with jockey Corey Brown taking him to the front from the jump.

He went forward to lead from Le Romain who was also quick out of the barriers, while Trapeze Artist settled fourth the outside of The Mission with cover.

At the 600m Showtime and Le Romain were putting in a strong gallop in the lead.

Angland eased out three deep approaching the turn on the favourite, Hartnell also out wide trying to go with him.

On the straight Trapeze Artist moved up to tackle Le Romain, who was brave and wouldn’t give up the lead that easily.

The two fought it out to the line, the youngster eventually wearing down his older rival to prove himself the real deal with a new track record.

Trapeze Artist won the All Aged Stakes in 1:20.33, which was just one hundredth of a second quicker than the previous record held by the fellow Ryan-trained Solicit.

Trapeze Artist became the fourth three-year-old since 2012 to take out the weight-for-age All Aged Stakes and handed his trainer Ryan with a second success in the event following that of Hurricane Sky back in 1995.

As for the TJ Smith Stakes – All Aged Stakes Group 1 double the very valuable stallion prospect secured, Trapeze Artist was the first since Bentley Biscuit in 2007 to complete it.

There is now a fight on Ryan’s hands to keep Trapeze Artist in work to target the world’s richest race on turf, the $13 million The Everest (1200m) back at Randwick on October 13.

Connections are looking to reap the benefits of a lucrative stud deal with the three-time winner, but he could first race on in the spring chasing The Everest 2018 win.

“I’ve done my job, he’s won his three Group 1s this season, can’t do much more with him,” Ryan said.

“He’s ran a track record, he’s beaten two or three Group 1 winner Le Romain…he raced well and got the job done.

“Onwards and upwards hopefully.

“I’d like to see him keep racing…love to come back for an Everest that would be sensational but there’s a lot of dollars involved [at stud].

“He might be the fair dinkum top of the world as a four-year-old, I just hope we get a chance to show it.”

Owner Bert Vieira admitted that they were in two minds on whether or not to race on with Trapeze Artist or not, but that The Everest was certainly an appealing option.

“No idea, obviously I’ve had a lot of offers. I wish I knew,’’ Vieira said.

“I will settle it down this weekend and make some firm decisions by Monday. I would love to race him in The Everest to be honest.

“If I did that it means I can’t breed from him this season, I race him on for a few more Group 1s take him to Ascot and breed next year.’’

Updated The Everest 2018 odds at Ladbrokes.com.au list Trapeze Artist as the $6 second favourite behind the reigning champion Redzel ($5).

2018 All Aged Stakes Results & Finishing Order

Randwick Race 7 – 21/04/2018