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How to tune into Sport NationHeadwall trainer still searching for Everest slot
Andrew Slevison • September 8th, 2025 7:11 pm
Trainer Matt Smith is eager to secure an Everest (1200m) slot with his gun sprinter Headwall after the weekend’s triumph.
The six-year-old gelding was impressive in claiming the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick under Zac Lloyd on Saturday, rattling over the top of Ostraka and holding off the fast-finishing runner-up Lady Shenandoah.
The $20 million Everest is high on the agenda, but will the stable land a slot in the world’s richest race on turf?
“I had a couple of little discussions over the weekend,” Smith said on SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up.
“We’ll see what happens, hopefully something will happen but until it’s all put together you’ve just got to wait and see how it goes.
“There’s only two or three slots left so we’ll see how we go.”
Next up for Headwall is The Shorts at Randwick on September 20.
Thereafter perhaps the Premiere Stakes if needed and the $2 million Sydney Stakes consolation race if no Everest slot arises.
“We’re really happy with where he’s at,” he added.
“There’s that sprint series in Sydney with good prize money on offer.
“The consolation to The Everest is a good prize money race with points for the series. So we’ll just say in Sydney, go through that series and hopefully get into The Everest.
“If we don’t there’s lots of other good races for him.”
Headwall has been a model of consistency over his 18-start career which has delivered seven wins and nine placings.
And he is only improving with age.
Smith suggested Headwall was over-competitive in his earlier preparations when unable to control his own speed and would use up too much petrol early in races.
As he has matured the penny has dropped and Headwall is now a racehorse who can match it with the best sprinters in the land.
“Now he’s relaxed and doing things right, he’s just a different horse,” he said.
“He’s got an incredible turn of foot and when he gets up to 1100-1200m this time in we’ll see a better horse than last prep.”
Headwall is currently rated a $21 chance with Sportsbet despite connections not yet holding a slot in the Everest on October 18.
Hong Kong star Ka Young Rising is the $1.80 favourite ahead of the unbeaten Private Harry at $6.50 and Chris Waller’s Lady Shenandoah at $7.
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