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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">We had planned the trip to the Everest some time ago; exactly why, however, I'm not sure because when we went to Randwick on the third day of the autumn carnival we were somewhat underwhelmed by the "new" Randwick.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But more on that later.</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I asked Linda if it would be wacky to have our (main) bet for the day on a race that we would be run while we would be at lunch at the Queen Victoria Building.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>She said it wouldn't be.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The race in question was the Victory Vein Plate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I thought Legend Of Condor's trial was a cracker.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A lovely colt, he jumped two lengths in front and was strong at the finish.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We watched the race on Linda's phone and it was remarkably similar to the trial; and exciting when, over the final 100 metres or so, he held off Spin and won by what must be the perfect margin: Just enough to know you've won.</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Trips to City Chic, Jacqui E, and Sephora followed and, at about quarter-past-two, we arrived at Randwick, where an Indian student in a high-visibility vest explained that the infield car park was full and handed us a map with directions to an alternative and explained that there was a shuttle bus.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Midway up High Street, however, there was a small spot (it's good to have a Micra).</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The shuttle bus took us to the (infield) gates.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Linda complained to the African security guard that, unlike the group of English or Scottish girls who were also on the shuttle bus, he didn't ask her for ID.</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">We headed for the (pretentiously-named) "Theatre of the Horse".<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was overcast, which was nice because there's no shade when it's sunny.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>"Where's that?" Linda asked, as a race was being run on the screen above the ring.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>"Caulfield", I replied.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Fast 'N' Rocking ran down Religify.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After that, horses began assembling for the St Leger.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was pleased to see this race reinstated.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The timing is right, too, two weeks after The Metropolitan, which worked out well for Big Duke, who was apprently well-found at about 7/4 in the days leading up to the race.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Evidently very well-found at the "2.10" that he eventually paid.</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">We then got hot chips and a lemonade and returned to the mounting yard steps.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Linda then had the idea that she wanted to go to the stands to watch the next race.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After ascending about 16 escalators we made our way through a crowded room and toward the stands.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The stands were full, we were told.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The $20 million stands were full.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Or was it $60 million.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In any case, they were full.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We headed back down the 16 escalators.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>At about the time we got to the bottom, In Her Time was running down Ball Of Muscle.</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">We headed though more crowds (judging by the crowds who were not in the stands, it's far from clear how many were in the stands).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>If I had to have a guess, however, I'd say the stands hold about 300 people.</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">We headed down to the fence at about the 250-metre mark.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>A short time later, the Everest horses came by.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Chautauqua was big and grey.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Tall and long.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Redzel was short but stocky.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Enormous hindquarters.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Vega Magic.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You'd never pick he was any good to look at.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>English, with her untidy double-blaze, skulked by.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Gradually, some of the 29,700 people who weren't in the stands began to fill the lawn behind us.</span></p>
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<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Samantha Jade sung the National Anthem.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>"What's she off?"<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I asked Linda.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>"The X-Factor", she replied, after checking her phone.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They got to the 600 in quick time.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>As they came past us, Redzel had a nice break.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>English (who I had used a bonus bet acquired via the rugby league Grand Final) was slightly strung up and not doing enough.</span></p>
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