Christian Reith hit top form ahead of his first Golden Slipper ride with a winning treble at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Reith will partner the Gerald Ryan-trained filly Cavalry Rose in the $3.5 million Golden Slipper at Rosehill and ensured his confidence was sky high with victories on Emotional Circus, Song And Roses and I’m Mary Too.
“It’s good to go into Saturday in form and with confidence,” Reith said after bringing up the treble.
“Bring it on. I can’t wait.”
Reith got things rolling on fast-finishing filly Emotional Circus who rushed home late to take out the Flinders Lane Perfect Fit Shirt Handicap (1100m).
Song And Roses showed some dash to win the Big Brown @ Vinery Handicap (1200m) before I’m Mary Too began brilliantly to sit on the speed and then sprint away with the Warwick Farm 100 Club Handicap (1000m) in her first start for new trainer Kris Lees.
While delighted with his winning haul at Warwick Farm, Reith is even more excited about getting his first chance at riding in Saturday’s feature race.
Reith was booked for Cavalry Rose last Saturday night after the filly finished second to Ichihara in the Magic Night Stakes earlier that day.
“I’ve watched all her runs and I’m going over there (to Rosehill) tomorrow morning to jump on her and work her out a bit,” Reith said.
“It’s my first ride in the Slipper and it’s great to be able to get the opportunity.
“It’s been a really good 12 months or so and obviously the opportunities are coming my way. Hopefully I can make the best of it.”
Cavalry Rose is one of three Slipper runners for Ryan who also has Amorino and Snitzerland in the $3.5 million event.
Reith’s mount will jump from barrier five in the field of 16.
“If I can get her to race generously I think she’s a big hope,” Reith said.
“The favourite (Samaready) is going to have to get back. My filly has run times and has been thereabouts but doing things wrong.
“If we can iron those creases out, watch out for her.”
James McDonald, who will also ride in the Golden Slipper for the first time aboard Ashokan, was also in the winners’ list at Warwick Farm on the Gary Portelli-trained Single Style in the Australian Turf Club Handicap (1200m) while premier jockey Nash Rawiller rode a double courtesy of Landing and Upon This Rock.
