Watch: The Everest draw revealed on Sydney Opera House

Betting on The Everest, the world’s richest turf race to run Saturday at Royal Randwick, was temporarily suspended with the barrier draw conducted in private Tuesday. That’s because race organizers had a plan to later reveal the field in a very public way.

The Sydney Opera House and its massive sails served as a canvas for connections’ silks and their respective barriers.

In Australia, the move was met with mixed reactions. While some celebrated, others protested the association of gambling with the Opera House, lighting torches whose lights could be seen during the barrier reveal.

This year’s running of The Everest is the race’s second. Defending champ Redzel is in and among the favorites, as are Trapeze Artist and Vega Magic. Given it’s a major turf race, of course, trainer Aidan O’Brien will be represented by U S Navy Flag.

Entrants to The Everest are determined similarly to the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, with connections purchasing “slots” that contribute to a $13 million (AUD) purse. The weight for age race runs at six furlongs.

Post time for Saturday’s race is 12:30 a.m. ET. TVG will broadcast featuring on-site coverage.

By the way, here’s the draw, and keep in mind we here at Horse Racing Nation will be backing In Her Time from gate No. 8. Kentucky-based Sky Racing World, which handles distribution of Australian racing in North America, has invited 12 industry personalities to participate in the "Climbing Everest" promotion. If In Her Time prevails, a $5,000 donation will be made to Old Friends Farm on behalf of HRN.

The Everest Field:

1. Redzel

2. Shoals

3. U S Navy Flag

4. Brave Smash

5. Osborne Bulls

6. Trapeze Artist

7. Vega Magic

8. In Her Time

9. Santa Ana Lane

10. Graff

11. Le Romain

12. Viddora