Joe Pride cannot fathom why rival Giga Kick has secured an Everest slot before his mouth-watering clash with reigning champion Think About It.
Joe Pride has come out swinging at the Australian Turf Club's decision to lease its Everest slot to Giga Kick's owner Jonathan Munz just two days before that horse's clash with his top sprinter Think About It in the Premiere Stakes at Randwick.
The ATC confirmed on Thursday that it had come to an agreement with Munz, securing Giga Kick his place in the $20 million race.
However, Pride cannot understand why they didn't wait for Saturday's showdown between the past two Everest winners and let the horses do the talking on the racetrack.
"In terms of any criticism I have of the ATC, firstly, this horse needs to prove himself," Pride said of Think About It, who resumes in Saturday's sprint.
"But when they are announcing the slot two days before a race. Can we just see who's better, Giga Kick of Think About It?
"How smart could the ATC have been? They could have said, 'we're going to line them up and whoever we think is the best run is going to get our slot'.
"I think Giga Kick should be in the race. I am not criticising Giga Kick or his connections one bit. They have done exactly what you should do to get yourself into the race.
"What I'm saying is, I would have liked the same opportunity, and I don't understand that process.
"I am really disappointed."
Pride is also surprised the club didn't opt to work with the connections of a Sydney-based horse, given the support local trainers provide the club through track fees and runners.
Jamie Walter, who runs Proven Thoroughbreds which races Think About It and also Private Eye, had been in negotiations with the ATC regarding its Everest slot but Pride said "that had all gone out the window" and in the end, they weren't offered a chance at a counter deal.
The ATC's Head of Racing and Wagering, Nevesh Ramdhani, said the club's decision to lease its slot to Munz was a commercial one.
"We did negotiate with and speak to Jamie Walter about a couple of his horses," Ramdhani said
"But we couldn't land on a commercial agreement.
"In the end, this was the best commercial outcome for the club."
On the decision to make the call prior to the Premiere Stakes clash, Ramdhani said Munz was keen to go into Saturday's assignment knowing he had secured an Everest spot for Giga Kick.
"Jonathan Munz, he wanted to lock it in before the weekend as well, so he has some certainty in the preparation for the horse,"' Ramdhani said.
With the majority of the unconfirmed Everest slots held by the likes of Godolphin, Yulong and John Camilleri, who are all likely to choose their own horses, Think About It's final chance at defending his Everest title looks to rest with garnering the slot held by prominent owners Max Whitby and Neil Werrett.
They had originally selected Bustling, but that horse was ruled out of The Everest earlier this week.
Frustrations aside, Pride is putting his faith in Think About It stepping up to the plate on Saturday when he chases back-to-back Premiere Stakes (1200m) wins.
"It has been a long bloody wait but I'm really happy with him," he said.
"I couldn't see the use in running him in The Shorts, he's not an 1100-metre horse, so we will kick him off here and see what he can do.
"He looks amazing. The proof will be in what he does Saturday, but I can't fault the horse."
Pride will also saddle up Coal Crusher, who is being readied for The Hunter, and honest sprinter Mazu who tackles Saturday's feature second-up after resuming with a solid third in The Shorts (1100m).
