Ciaron Maher readies Gringotts for re-entry in the Canterbury Stakes at Randwick, as an opposing rider delivers an unintended vote of confidence to a leading fancy.

Nash Rawiller cultivated a robust rapport with Gringotts at the conclusion of his prior campaign, delivering successive conquests in the Big Dance and The Gong.

Reuniting was the plan for the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) on Saturday, but following frank exchanges with Maher, Rawiller committed to Lady Shenandoah, riding her first-up to a fast-finishing third versus Joliestar in the Expressway Stakes (1200m).

The ride on Gringotts transfers to Tommy Berry, architect of three victories including the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) from 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).”

Expectations are high for Gringotts to advance post-Saturday per Maher, who approves of his six-year-old’s fresh preparation.

Of 12 triumphs, six arrived over a mile, with thoughts turning to uncharted longer journeys ahead.

Saturday’s Canterbury Stakes fits perfectly as a warm-up before challenging to reclaim 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.”

From six fresh starts, Gringotts has top-three finishes in five, but the Saturday field is loaded with Chris Waller’s mares duo, Beiwacht their Golden Rose champ, and Napoleonic the Hobartville Stakes bridesmaid.

Visit trusted Australian betting sites for the latest sports betting options on the Canterbury Stakes.