Sapphire Coast Horse Racing Preview: Everido's Inspiring Comeback Story
Adam Sherry provides an in-depth preview of the SERA Country Championships Qualifier meeting at the Sapphire Coast, scheduled for Sunday, February 28, 2026. This event promises thrilling action as trainers and jockeys compete for a spot in the prestigious championships, with a focus on standout contenders and expert betting analysis.
Everido's Remarkable Recovery Journey
Canberra trainers Keith Dryden and Libby Snowden have experienced the extreme highs and lows of horse racing over the past year with their gelding, Everido. The horse's career was jeopardized by a severe fetlock injury, but through dedicated care and innovative treatment, he has made a stunning return to the track.
Everido last raced in the Country Championship Qualifier at Nowra on February 23, 2025, where he delivered an eye-catching performance, coming from last to finish seventh, beaten by just over a length and a half by stablemate Sunchyme. Unfortunately, he subsequently developed pods in his fetlocks, which are small holes in the bone, forcing him out of competition for nearly 12 months.
Dryden and Snowden employed a unique treatment using Tvati oil, originally developed for human sports injuries, which they applied daily for six to seven months. This regimen included gradual rehabilitation, starting with walking, progressing to a walking machine, and slowly increasing work intensity until Everido was ready to return.
The treatment proved highly effective, leading to a successful barrier trial last October and a triumphant comeback win at Canterbury on February 13, 2026, where he defeated Shaggy in a 1100m Benchmark 72 Handicap. Dryden praised the team effort, particularly highlighting Snowden's hard work in administering the daily treatments.
Now, Everido heads into the SERA Country Championships Qualifier over 1400m as a genuine contender, with jockey Alysha Collett aboard. Collett previously rode Sunchyme to victory in last year's edition, adding to the excitement. Everido is currently rated a $10 chance with TAB Fixed Odds, behind favorites Rose Aye at $2.30 and Canadian Ruler at $4.60.
Mighty Myrtle and Other Key Contenders
Another notable entry is Mighty Myrtle, a five-year-old mare also trained by Dryden and Snowden, with Blaike McDougall set to ride. She has shown strong form recently, finishing a close second in the Moruya Cup over 1425m and fourth in the Bega Cup over 1600m. Despite a long campaign, Dryden believes she excels at 1400m and expects a strong finish, though her racing pattern may require her to be closer from the start. Mighty Myrtle is priced at $23.
The feature race also includes other top horses like Rose Aye, who impressed with a seven-length win at Rosehill, and Vermicella, resuming after a big win in the Queanbeyan Cup. The competition is set to be fierce, with multiple horses vying for qualification.
Adam Sherry's Expert Selections and Analysis
Adam Sherry offers his top betting tips for the Sapphire Coast meeting, providing race-by-race insights to help punters make informed decisions.
- Best Bet: Race 5 No. 4: Ischyros – Racing in great form and poised for a deserved win.
- Next Best: Race 1 No. 5: Inchyra – Showed promise on debut and can resume with a victory.
- Value Bet: Race 7 No. 4: Everido – Returned from a long lay-off with a win and performed well in this race last year.
- Best Exotic: Exacta Race 2: 1, 2 – A strategic pick for higher returns.
- Quaddie: Races 5-8 with selections including Ischyros, Kitty Okay, Everido, and Colorado Sun.
- Jockey to Follow: Alysha Collett – Has a strong book of rides and is a contender for the Jockey Challenge.
Race-by-Race Inside Mail
Sherry provides detailed analysis for each race on the card, highlighting key runners and betting strategies.
- Race 1: Tura Beach Country Club Maiden Showcase Handicap 1000m – Inchyra is the top pick after a good trial win, with Impending Charm and Mover and Shaker as threats.
- Race 2: Merimbula RSL Class 3 Showcase Handicap 1000m – All Adore is favored after smart wins, with Iowna Benz and Girls Weekend in contention.
- Race 3: Bam Country Boosted Showcase Maiden Plate 1400m – Classic Touch is the selection following solid runs, with Raining Violets and Exceed Success as alternatives.
- Race 4: 2 Good Landscapes Super Maiden Showcase Plate 1200m – Setta Icon is tipped for improvement, with Gaelic Dream and Ol' Mate Coop as each-way chances.
- Race 5: Club Sapphire Merimbula Benchmark 66 Showcase Handicap 1200m – Ischyros is the best bet after consistent placings, with Jazz All Knight and Your Not The Boss as backups.
- Race 6: Bega Freight Centre Benchmark 58 Showcase Handicap 1400m – Kitty Okay is selected despite a wide gate, with Cossack Warrior and Brutal Eyes as strong contenders.
- Race 7: Evergreen Turf SERA Country Championships Qualifier 1400m – Everido is the value bet, with Rose Aye and Vermicella as key rivals.
- Race 8: Joseph Jones Racing Country Boosted Showcase Benchmark 58 Handicap 1600m – Colorado Sun is the each-way pick, with Mystic Diva and Straight Fire in the mix.
This comprehensive preview ensures racing enthusiasts are well-prepared for an exciting day at the Sapphire Coast, with Everido's comeback story adding a layer of inspiration to the competitive action.
