DICK Sloane could be forgiven for pinching himself quite regularly in the lead-up to The Everest at Randwick on Saturday.
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Not only does he part-own a runner in the world's richest turf race but also the favourite in Santa Ana Lane.
Sloane is one of the lucky 30 plus owners that race the superstar galloper who is the second highest rated sprinter in the world behind Godolphin speedster Battaash.
The long-time horse racing enthusiast is living every owners dream with Santa Ana Lane already boasting five group one victories and prizemoney in excess of $5 million.
It's staggering to think the slick sprinter could more than double his prizemoney earnings with victory in the $14 million feature.
A whopping first prize cheque of just over $6 million is up for grabs in the third edition of Sydney's marquee race.
Santa Ana Lane is the $4.40 pre-post favourite with Sloane quietly confident he has a share in the best horse in the race.
The Anthony Freedman-trained gelding finished midfield in The Everest last year on an unsuitable heavy (9) track.
"I don't want to sound too cocky but it will take a good horse to beat us," Sloane said.
"We look likely to get the track conditions to suit and not a heavy track like last year.
"We have got the right jockey on (Mark Zahra).
"We had a slight hiccup when we were forced to scratch from The Shorts because of a heavy track but I don't think that will be a problem.
"We went back to Melbourne and raced in the Gilgai instead and while we didn't expect to win, running a half length second to Sunline was a perfect hit-out.
"We have beaten them all before - we just have to do it again on Saturday I suppose."
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Santa Ana Lane likes to settle back in his races before unleashing his trademark devastating finishing burst.
Sloane said with brilliant speedsters like Redzel, Nature Strip and Sunlight engaged, it should ensure a genuinely run 1200m and provide the perfect race pattern for Santa Ana Lane to enhance his reputation as a big-race performer.
"There looks to be plenty of pace which suits us and gives Santa Ana Lane the best chance of rounding them up," he said.
"I have no doubt he is the best sprinter in the race.
"It is weight for age so he doesn't have to lump a huge weight.
"My biggest concern is getting too far back and giving the leaders too big of a head start but Zahra knows that and knows the horse.
"Santa Ana Lane holds the track record at Randwick so we just need an ounce of luck.
"It's exciting but there are no sure things in racing."
The Everest is scheduled to jump at 4.15pm on Saturday.