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Punters rally for The Inevitable in Epsom

3 minute read

Only a Group 1 is missing from the decorated career record of The Inevitable, but that may change on Saturday afternoon at Royal Randwick.

THE INEVITABLE winning the Steve?S Liquor Hellova Street Stakes
THE INEVITABLE winning the Steve?S Liquor Hellova Street Stakes Picture: Tasracing

Backed in from $15, The Inevitable is vying for favouritism for the Group 1 $1.5 million Epsom Handicap (1600m), rated a $7 chance with bookmakers just over 24 hours from the race.

After Racing NSW stewards handed out significant penalties to former trainers Scott Brunton and Tegan Keys earlier in the week, it's John Keys who is at the helm for Saturday's Group 1 assignment, a rapid ascent for John, who has only worked with limited numbers in Tasmania in recent seasons.

From a training perspective, John Keys is perhaps better known as the brother of Group 2 winning trainer Ken Keys, but that could all change with a Group 1 victory over the famous Randwick mile.

"I'm probably a bit out of my depth, I feel, but I'm sure the horse (The Inevitable) is not," told John Keys, speaking to SEN's Gareth Hall.

Punters have rallied behind the 8YO son of Dundeel following a second in the Group 2 Theo Marks (1300m) three weeks ago, where The Inevitable's closing sectionals were the best of the program.

The Inevitable carried 59kg that day and will appreciate a drop to 55.5kg for Saturday's race, with regular jockey David Pires resuming riding duties from an ideal barrier (8).

"Since we've been here, the horse has been very professional with everything he's done.

"David (Pires) thinks he can win it, and I think he's been just as bubbly as the horse," Keys added.

With eight Listed wins, a Group 3 victory, and a third placing in the 2023 All-Star Mile, the story of The Inevitable is already the stuff of dreams, and a win on Saturday would see his career earnings smash past the $2 million barrier.

The Group 1 Epsom Handicap is race 8 on Saturday's Royal Randwick card, scheduled for 16:05.


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