Max Whitby appeared rueful when he drew barrier 10 for Vega Magic, but the prominent horse owner still believes he's on a winner by holding a slot in the A$10 million Everest.
Whitby initially flinched at the financial outlay needed to be a part of the world's richest turf race, but as today's showpiece at Randwick looms he is confident it will prove to be a wise business decision.
"I baulked at the three-year commitment, $1.8 million is a fair bit of money," he said.
Whitby then watched as the concept gathered momentum.
"I think next year it will be worth a lot more money, and the year after it'll be worth even more," he said.