THE nation’s top-rated sprinter, Redzel, begins his defence of The Everest title when he makes his spring carnival return in the Group 3 $160,000 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Redzel is among five definite starters in the $13 million The Everest sporting silks, including Concorde Stakes rival Invincible Star.

At Caulfield, the Everest campaigns of Vega Magic and Santa Ana Lane crank up a gear with their clash in the Group 1 $1 million Memsie Stakes (1400m), while Brave Smash, who has also secured an Everest slot, resumes in the Group 3 $150,000 The Heath Stakes (1100m).

There are another five fringe Everest hopefuls also due to start on Saturday in a make-or-break bid to secure one of the final two slots in the 12-horse field for the world’s richest turf race.

Pierata and Le Romain are entered for the Group 2 $200,000 Tramway Stakes (1400m) with both sprinters still in the Everest mix.

Kementari is among Tramway nominations but trainer James Cummings has hinted he is more likely to run the boom galloper in the Memsie Stakes.

Happy Clapper and Showtime are entered for the Memsie with both also on The Everest radar.

Owners Max Whitby and Neil Werrett share an Everest slot and they are chasing a sprinter after the injury to Menari forced his retirement. The Australian Turf Club also has a vacant slot.

As the push and shove continues for those final two slots, the Redzel camp can plan their assault on the Everest with certainty.

“I think from the day after Redzel won The Everest last year, we have been planning to get him to the race for this year,’’ owner Michael Ward of Triple Crown Syndications said.

“It’s exciting times knowing the race is only about seven weeks away. I know (trainers) Peter and Paul Snowden have been really happy with how well Redzel is coming up this preparation and we are looking forward to Saturday’s race.’’

Redzel won the Concorde Stakes and The Shorts in his two lead-up runs before taking out The Everest last year and Team Snowden is following a similar program this spring.

Invincible Star became the 10th sprinter to be selected for The Everest when slot-holder Greg Ingham’s GPI Racing picked up the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained mare.

Although Invincible Star has only had five starts and hasn’t raced since her second in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes behind subsequent Royal Ascot winner Merchant Navy, her recent barrier trials have been so brilliant she has commanded an Everest slot.

The Waterhouse-Bott stable now has two runners in The Everest with dual Group 1 winner English also a confirmed starter.

Meanwhile, with the mighty mare Winx being rested until the Group 1 $500,000 George Main Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on September 15, the ATC has fielded 20 nominations for the Group 2 $250,000 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) on Saturday.

Winx’s trainer Chris Waller has entered eight for the Chelmsford — I Am Coldplay, Libran, One Foot In Heaven, Patrick Erin, Religify, Satono Rasen, Single Gaze and Unforgotten.

Group 1 winners Ace High, It’s Somewhat and Prized Icon are also in the Chelmsford entries.