Tyler Schiller has been handed a confidence boost ahead of Briasa’s return in the Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick after drawing immediately inside of favourite Private Harry.

The T J Smith Stakes winner has gate four, with Private Harry in five, a setup Schiller believes will allow him to control tactics early.

“I was happy when I saw the barrier draw because it gives us more of a chance to come out and be nice to him rather than force him somewhere from a bad draw, like in the Galaxy when he had to go back and set himself too big a task,” Schiller said.

“He gets a good draw and he’s jumping well. He should put himself in the race and if he’s got the coat tails of Private Harry, he’s going to go a long way.”

Briasa already has an Everest slot secured and has sharpened up with two slick trial performances. He’s also a proven fresh performer, with his only first-up defeat coming in The Galaxy earlier this year when flying home for fourth after a wide run.

Schiller has enjoyed great success aboard Briasa with four wins from seven rides and is optimistic he can measure up again despite strong opposition.

“It’s a very hot race,” Schiller said. “You’ve got Private Harry, Joliestar and Briasa that are all going to The Everest so it’s like a mini Everest without all of the favoured runners being there.”

The Shorts has drawn a strong field of 10, including Golden Slipper heroine Marhoona and fast sprinter Jedibeel. Since the launch of The Everest, only Ball Of Muscle (2018) has claimed The Shorts without progressing, with Redzel (2017) and Classique Legend (2020) doing the double.

Punters can find the latest odds on The Shorts through Australia’s best betting sites.