Jockey Tyler Schiller finds it puzzling that Moravia has been largely overlooked as a winning chance in Saturday’s Group 1 $1m Kia Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill.
Jockey Tyler Schiller (Pic: Bradley Photos).
The Michael Freedman-trained colt has recorded second placings in both the San Domenico and Run To The Rose in the past month and had the latter all but won until Cylinder, favourite for the Golden Rose, snatched victory from him in the last couple of strides.
While all attention has been on the Godolphin colt, who overcame bad luck, out of that race Schiller said Moravia had his own issues to deal with that day and was full of praise for his efforts.
“He had to do a bit of work to cross them the other day,’’ Schiller said.
“He ran 10.69 from the 1000m to the 800m to get across so he’s done a good job to get across and hold on.
“I thought I had the race won. I didn’t think I won on the line but from the 200m he gave a good kick and they weren’t getting to him until late.”
Most have pinpointed Moravia as the likely leader of the Golden Rose and Schiller, who notched his first Group 1 in the Galaxy at Rosehill earlier this year, said he won’t be afraid to fill that role if it’s presented to him.
He’s a $13 chance with TAB on Friday and Schiller said he shouldn’t need to do nearly as much work as he did in the Run To The Rose.
“I think he is a lot better chaser but from a good draw we will come out positive and see what the speed is like,’’ he said.
“If he gets it cheap enough in front I wouldn’t say not to lead on him but if they want to go quick at least we have the option to take a sit because he’s very versatile.”
One ride on the Chris Waller-trained Waterford has given Schiller some insight into the talented gelding as he attempts to force his way into next week’s TAB Epsom via the Group 2 $300,000 Ned Whisky Shannon Stakes (1500m).
The five-year-old ran on into a close third behind Golden Mile in the Theo Marks (1300m) two weeks ago but the step up in distance to his pet trip gives the hoop some confidence.
“There’s still some quality horses in there but it looks to be a touch weaker than first-up and over a more suitable trip. He’s definitely in with a great chance,’’ Schiller said.
“He was terrific the other day. He jumped well and put himself in a good spot.
“He travelled up really well, probably just got outsprinted by a couple of nice horses. As he goes up in trip it’s only going to help.”
Given it’s Waterford’s pattern to settle back that’s not something Schiller will mess with but he hopes to find the right horse to follow into the race as he did first-up.
“There doesn’t look to be a lot of pace but I think he is a lot better ridden cold,’’ he said.
“We’ll be conservative early to find the line but from where that is I’m not sure yet.”
The start will be crucial to the chances of Rainbiel in the TAB We’re On Handicap (1100m) and Schiller said how long she spends in the stalls is that crucial element.
The mare, a new addition to the Joe Pride stable, was kept waiting a bit too long for her liking first-up as she missed the jump but she hit the line nicely finishing midfield behind Waverider Buoy at Randwick three weeks ago.
“Her barrier manners are a bit hit and miss at the moment,’’ Schiller said.
“The first two trials I gave her were fantastic, she wasn’t in there very long which was a bonus but last start she had to stand around too long.
“She went back to the trials and sort of did the same thing. It’ll be more a timing thing, if she can come out of the gates well she’s a good chance.”
– Racing NSW
