Randwick Blackbookers and horses to follow from the Everest meeting on October 17

We have identified the runners that caught the eye and are worth adding to your Blackbook following Saturday's meeting.

There were excellent performances all round in The Everest (1200m), with Tempted pulling off a stunning victory to upset the world's best sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, while Joliestar and Headwall also finished ahead of Ninja. The Mitch Freedman-trained galloper was one of the youngest runners in the field and proved he belongs at the highest level, finishing fifth and beaten just over a length. Ninja was second-up for the preparation, having won a trial ahead of Ka Ying Rising and Apocalyptic in the lead-up, and did an excellent job to stick on after racing on the speed. Jockey Craig Williams noted that Spicy Martini kept him honest throughout and that he was unable to build into the race as he usually does, instead having to quicken sharply when the pressure came on. With only two runs under his belt this preparation, Ninja should have plenty left in the tank for another start or two and looks a horse with a bright future. He is certainly one to keep in mind for The Everest in 2027.

Ceolwulf produced another excellent performance in the King Charles III Stakes (1600m), finishing runner-up to the outstanding Autumn Glow. The Joe Pride-trained gelding was beaten just over two lengths by the superstar mare but put seven lengths on the third horse, Just Folk, in a performance that suggests he can go very close to taking out the Cox Plate (2040m) at Flemington next weekend. The six-year-old was coming off an unlucky second in the Epsom Handicap (1600m), where he was held up for much of the straight, and has now put together a consistent preparation. The scratching of Pride Of Jenni took some of the anticipated pressure out of Saturday's race, which arguably played against Ceolwulf, who would have appreciated a more genuine tempo. With a Group 1 victory at Flemington already to his name, he looks a major player in Melbourne if connections elect to head that way.

Cross Tasman produced a terrific performance to take out the final race on Everest Day, overcoming a wide run to score an impressive victory in the Benchmark 88 (1400m). The John O'Shea and Tom Charlton-trained gelding was sent out as the $2.15 favourite following eye-catching placings at his previous two starts but was forced to cover plenty of extra ground after being trapped four-wide from barrier 10. Despite the tough run, the son of Super Seth loomed up approaching the home turn and showed an excellent turn of foot to race clear under Zac Lloyd, eventually winning by a length and three-quarters. The addition of blinkers appeared to make a difference, with Cross Tasman taking his record to five wins and six placings from 12 starts. Connections have identified the Little Dance (1600m) at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day as a likely target, while the Five Diamonds (1800m) is another possibility. Given the manner of Saturday's victory and his consistent form this preparation, Cross Tasman looks capable of stepping up in grade and winning again.