Annabel Neasham is sticking to a proven strategy as she prepares Sunshine In Paris for her autumn return, aiming to enhance the mare’s already impressive first-up record in the Canterbury Stakes at Randwick.
A dominant winner of the VRC Classic at Flemington last spring, Sunshine In Paris is one of 12 contenders in Saturday’s Group 1 sprint. The field also includes Ceolwulf, who was scratched from last weekend’s Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) due to a minor leg issue.
Sunshine In Paris has an excellent record when resuming, having won three of her four first-up starts, with her only defeat being a narrow loss in last year’s The Galaxy (1100m).
Neasham has mirrored the preparation she has used in past campaigns, including an exhibition gallop at Randwick last Saturday, where Chad Schofield was in the saddle.
“It has always worked well with her,” Neasham said.
“Her last three preparations she’s had two trials and an exhibition gallop so I’ve just tried to follow the same path and it’s nice for Chad to have another opportunity to partner her as well.”
With regular rider James McDonald booked to ride Canterbury Stakes rival Switzerland, Schofield will take over as Sunshine In Paris’ jockey for the first time in a race.
Schofield has been Ceolwulf’s regular partner, but with the horse shifting its focus to the Randwick feature, he will now attempt to defeat his usual mount.
Neasham and Rob Archibald’s stable have a strong working relationship with Schofield, who has had success aboard multiple stakes winner Learning To Fly, and the trainer is confident in his abilities.
“Chad has done a lot of riding for us. He is a world-class rider and we were pretty happy that he was available to ride her,” Neasham said.
“We’ve had plenty of time up our sleeve to give her a nice, slow build-up so she is ready to rock and roll.”
Sunshine In Paris will jump from barrier 12 in the Canterbury Stakes, but as a natural backmarker, she should handle the wide draw well.
Ceolwulf, who will be ridden by Adam Hyeronimus, has drawn the inside gate, while Switzerland will start from barrier nine, just outside last year’s Doncaster Mile winner Celestial Legend, who is making his return after a disappointing spring campaign.
