Young rider Regan Bayliss won't get out his calculator to work out percentages before Redkirk Warrior competes for $10 million in prizemoney in The Everest on Saturday week.
Bayliss hasn't done the maths, his five percent of an Everest win would net him $290,000 but the jockey said Redkirk Warrior did plenty for him when he won the Group I Newmarket Handicap (1200m) in March.
"He's been a life-changing horse for me, wining my first Group I on him," Bayliss said.
Bayliss was aboard Redkirk Warrior for the sprinter's comfortable first-up win in the Group II Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington on September 16 but the phones of trainers David Hayes, Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig would have run hot with jockeys looking for the ride in The Everest.
However, the Lindsay Park team and slot holders The Star Entertainment Group stuck with Bayliss to ride the gelding in The Everest rather than engage a local jockey.
"He's been terrific and I'm very grateful for everybody involved sticking with me," Bayliss said.
"I'm just worrying about turning up on the day and making sure my preparation is 100 percent and give it my best shot."
The weight-for-age format of The Everest means Bayliss doesn't have to worry about getting down to make a weight to ride the horse, leaving the 20-year-old with the main task of doing his form for the world's richest turf race.
"I can just focus on the day and see what barrier we draw," Bayliss said. "I know the horse back to front and I look forward to it.
"It's just another horse race at the end of the day.
"When the gates open they all the run the same and you don't worry about prizemoney until after the race."
Sportsbet has Redkirk Warrior as a $7.50 chance in an open market on The Everest.
Moir Stakes winner She Will Reign is the $4.60 favourite ahead of Vega Magic and Chautauqua at $6 while Redzel is a $7 chance.
