Sunshine In Paris draws outside in the G1 Canterbury Stakes

Annabel Neasham is utilizing a well-established approach as Sunshine In Paris prepares to make her autumn return, seeking to maintain her remarkable first-up record in the Canterbury Stakes at Randwick.

Following her brilliant victory in the VRC Classic at Flemington last spring, Sunshine In Paris is set to compete in a strong 12-horse field for Saturday’s Group 1 sprint. The race will also feature Ceolwulf, who was forced to withdraw from last weekend’s Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) due to a leg abrasion.

Sunshine In Paris has thrived when resuming, winning three of her four first-up appearances, with her sole defeat being a close second in last year’s The Galaxy (1100m).

Neasham has followed the same structured preparation as previous campaigns, which included an exhibition gallop at Randwick last Saturday under jockey Chad Schofield.

“It has always worked well with her,” Neasham said.

“Her last three preparations she’s had two trials and an exhibition gallop so I’ve just tried to follow the same path and it’s nice for Chad to have another opportunity to partner her as well.”

With her VRC Classic-winning jockey James McDonald committed to riding Canterbury Stakes rival Switzerland, Schofield will take the reins on Sunshine In Paris for the first time in a race.

Schofield has been a regular rider for Ceolwulf, but with the horse now contesting the Randwick feature, he finds himself in the unfamiliar position of competing against his usual ride.

Neasham and Rob Archibald’s stable have a strong rapport with Schofield, who has delivered success aboard multiple stakes winner Learning To Fly, and the trainer is confident in his ability to deliver.

“Chad has done a lot of riding for us. He is a world-class rider and we were pretty happy that he was available to ride her,” Neasham said.

“We’ve had plenty of time up our sleeve to give her a nice, slow build-up so she is ready to rock and roll.”

Sunshine In Paris has drawn barrier 12 in the Canterbury Stakes, but as a natural backmarker, the wide draw shouldn’t be a major concern.

Ceolwulf, with Adam Hyeronimus in the saddle, has landed the inside barrier, while Switzerland will jump from gate nine, positioned just outside last year’s Doncaster Mile winner Celestial Legend, who returns after an underwhelming spring campaign.