Schiller backing Swiftfalcon to soar in G1 Randwick Guineas rematch
Jockey Tyler Schiller is optimistic about Swiftfalcon’s chances of turning the tables on Broadsiding when they face off again in the Group One Randwick Guineas after a strong performance last start.
In the Hobartville Stakes (1400m), Swiftfalcon had to settle at the rear from a wide draw but produced a remarkable finish, closing within a length of Godolphin’s high-class colt.
With a more favorable barrier on Saturday, Schiller expects a more competitive race from Swiftfalcon.
“I thought that late, he was stronger than Broadsiding,” Schiller said when reflecting on the Hobartville Stakes performance.
“Obviously, he’s a quality colt Broadsiding, and he probably would have found a bit more if we challenged right up alongside him.
“I suppose we’ll see on the weekend. It’s going to be a good fight, and hopefully for my sake we come out on top.”
Broadsiding is the clear favorite in early markets for the Randwick Guineas (1600m), with Swiftfalcon sitting at $4 as the second pick.
Swiftfalcon has drawn barrier five in the nine-horse field, directly outside Broadsiding, and Schiller is looking to secure a better position in the running.
“He jumped quite sharply in his trial from a good draw and then when he drew badly (in the Hobartville Stakes), it’s sort of his racing pattern but it wasn’t where I wanted to be. I would have loved to be midfield following Broadsiding,” he said.
“The draw on the weekend offers us a few more options if he jumps well.”
Schiller will also take the reins aboard Airman for Hawkes Racing in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m). He believes a stronger pace will benefit Airman after finishing fifth behind Magic Time in the Expressway Stakes (1200m).
“They went very steady and it was a dash home. I thought for a fleeting moment at the 200 that he was going to go on with it and be right in the finish and he just got a bit tired late,” Schiller said.
“A bit more tempo would be lovely for him and he’ll be around the mark.”
Airman has demonstrated his ability when racing second-up, including an impressive victory over Mazu and Bella Nipotina in the Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last spring.
More Racing News
Augustus and Desert Hero debut in Flemington feature
While the Australian Cup Prelude at Flemington doesn't carry the weight of the day's opening races, it has the potential to highlight future stars for major events ahead.Ciaron Maher will launch two newcomers from overseas in the Saturday 2000m race – Augustus and Desert Hero.Desert Hero already has Australian experience,...
Robbie Griffiths plans VRC Sires' Produce Stakes tilt with Almost An Angel
For the youngsters, the VRC Sires' Produce Stakes provides the debut opportunity to tackle a genuine journey.Now that the Blue Diamond Stakes, Victoria's top juvenile prize, has been run and captured last month, attention shifts for the fast two-year-olds to the Golden Slipper up in Sydney.Robbie Griffiths, however, set his...
Ipswich Friday features prepared Sir Maurice
With an advantageous claim on weight and a competitor set for a win, Jack Bruce is eager for Sir Maurice to perform at Ipswich this coming Friday.Marking his fifth run this campaign, the five-year-old offspring of champion Japanese sire Maurice enters the Great Northern Benchmark 65 Handicap (1200m) for an...
Blinkers and McDonald for Hidrix in key Todman Stakes before Golden Slipper
Hidrix, once the top pick for the Golden Slipper, faces two major tweaks for his engagement in the Todman Stakes at Randwick: blinkers fitted and James McDonald in the saddle.Although McDonald guided stable companion Confederation during the Canonbury Stakes (1100m) Hidrix won and the Silver Slipper (1100m), he'll switch to...
Filly Caffe Florian emerges as next talent for Richard Litt
Though Richard Litt runs a modest team in numbers, he has proven adept at pinpointing quality performers.Responsible for training dual Group 1 champion Castelvecchio and Profondo's 2021 Spring Champion Stakes success, the Warwick Farm conditioner now seems to hold a fresh prospect in developing filly Caffe Florian.The three-year-old by Snitzel...
Waller's entrants set for All-Star Mile at Flemington
Leading handler Chris Waller embraces the All-Star Mile format since its promotion to Group 1.Launched back in 2019, the All-Star Mile moved between key Melbourne venues and mirrored Japan's Arima Kinen by letting the public choose their top pick.Changes were implemented in later years, and Waller entered sparingly.Securing Group 1...
Mark Zahra backs Tentyris to overcome weight in Newmarket
Mark Zahra, the jockey, doesn't see the allocated weight for Tentyris as a barrier to the colt capturing the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.To win the Group 1 1200m event at Flemington on Saturday, Tentyris must replicate the weight record set by Ajax back in 1938.The 57kg impost matches what Fastnet...
Freedman eyes Ninja's mile potential in Randwick Guineas
Michael Freedman counts on Ninja getting forward in the run as an essential element boosting his shot at the Group One Randwick Guineas.Unlike key challengers Autumn Boy and Attica, who prefer to come from off the pace, Ninja showed his flexibility in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) by tracking the pacesetter...
Experienced Coal Crusher set for Newcastle Stakes challenge
If Coal Crusher maintains his strong connection with the Newcastle venue, he could provide Joe Pride with an excellent beginning to his weekend on a prominent regional racing occasion.On a quick six-day freshen-up from his Liverpool City Cup (1300m) defeat at Randwick, the gelding lines up in Friday's Group 3...
Rawiller's decision spotlights Lady Shenandoah's Canterbury Stakes bid
With Ciaron Maher readying Gringotts for his seasonal reappearance in the Canterbury Stakes at Randwick, another jockey has accidentally boosted the credentials of a prominent rival entrant.Nash Rawiller built an impressive alliance with Gringotts late in his previous campaign, notching successive wins in the Big Dance and The Gong.They were...