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 set to reconnect for the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) this Saturday, but after a straightforward talk with Maher, Rawiller chose to stay loyal to Lady Shenandoah, whom he partnered first-up as she closed strongly for third to Joliestar in the Expressway Stakes (1200m).
Stepping in for Gringotts is Tommy Berry, rider of three of his wins, notably the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) last year.
"Nash was riding Gringotts, and he said, 'Lady Shenandoah was in second gear the other day. Do you mind if I step off and step on (her)?'. I said, 'no, Gringotts will probably want the run anyway,", Maher recounted.
"Tommy has ridden him plenty of times as well and had good success on him, so it didn't make any difference, really.
"He can run really well fresh, and he's got a good base on him. He has been up at the beach.
But hearing those words out of Nash, and looking at the way Joliestar hit the line too, those two, I wouldn't be surprised if they had his measure (on Saturday)."
Maher foresees further enhancement from Gringotts regardless of Saturday's result and is content with his six-year-old's work resumption.
Half his 12 victories occurred over the mile, prompting the trainer to ponder a first foray beyond that trip.
For now though, the Canterbury Stakes offers the right stepping stone before a tilt at retaining the George Ryder Stakes.
"He's in good order. He ran in the Liverpool City Cup last time and then the George Ryder. This time he will go Canterbury Stakes to George Ryder," Maher said.
"He normally runs very well fresh. He had 61 (kilos) last year in the Liverpool City Cup, and I think he ran the fastest last 600 for the meeting and was unlucky."
In six first-up starts, Gringotts has placed in five but faces stern opposition Saturday including Chris Waller's two mares, Golden Rose winner Beiwacht from the same yard, and Hobartville Stakes placegetter Napoleonic.
Head to top online bookmakers to check racing betting markets for the Canterbury Stakes.
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