The calendar tells us spring is finally here, and so do the fields for feature sprints across the coming weekend.

With the $20 million Everest six weeks away, auditions - or tune-ups for horses already assured of a spot - are on in earnest.

The market says it's more likely than not that the Everest winner will be resuming this weekend. Admittedly that's mainly because Ka Ying Rising ($1.50 for the Everest) returns in Sunday's Group 3 Chief Executive's Cup at Sha Tin, but history says so too.

In five of the nine years of the Everest, the winner has resumed on this weekend in early September. Four of the five - Redzel in 2017 and 2018, Nature Strip in 2021 and Bella Nipotina in 2024 - have finished first or second in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick.

Last year Ka Ying Rising had his first and only Everest tune-up in the Chief Executive's Cup on the Sunday, giving Lucky Sweynesse four kilos and beating him by 2¼ lengths.

The move of The Valley's Group 1 Moir Stakes to this weekend in 2024 gave connections another chance to showcase their sprinters to slot-holders.

That year six of the 11 Everest runners resumed in either the Concorde or the Moir, including first, second and fourth.

Last year four of the 12 Everest runners resumed this weekend: Ka Ying Rising, Jimmysstar (third), Angel Capital (sixth) and Lady Shenandoah (seventh).

It's not only the Concorde and the Moir that are of interest from an Everest perspective either.

Last year Angel Capital resumed in (and won) the Chautauqua Stakes at The Valley. (Like the Moir, that race will be run at Sandown this year.)

This Saturday's Furious Stakes at Randwick, featuring Pembrey, Chilly Girl and Chayan, could also produce an Everest hope or two.