Premier jockey Nash Rawiller is eager to start his climb back to the top of the premiership when he makes his first appearance in Sydney for more than six weeks on Wednesday.
A treble on Epsom Day at Randwick had Rawiller in a familiar position at the top of the Sydney standings with 16 wins from just 61 rides.
But his absence from Sydney racing because of the Melbourne spring carnival has seen the two-time premiership winner drop to seventh, seven wins behind Jim Cassidy who hit the lead with four winners last Saturday.
Rawiller is keen to get back into winning ways now he has returned home and hopes that starts at Canterbury.
“Obviously keeping myself somewhere near the top of the premiership at this early stage is pretty important as I’d like to make it my third premiership this season if I can,” Rawiller said.
“It’s probably good I’m still right within striking range at this early stage.
“Obviously it (winning the premiership) is something I don’t take lightly and I really cherish it. It’s something I try to work towards and if you can be in good form it also helps put you in a nice position to win big races as well.
“When you are riding well opportunities come with that.”
Rawiller is booked for four rides at Canterbury including the Chris Waller-trained Daymo who is entered in two races.
“I’ve got a nice opinion of Daymo,” Rawiller said.
“I rode him in his first start and he got home really well that day. He was slow away and raced greenly but worked home really well on the fence (to finish fourth).
“I’m looking forward to getting back on him.”
Rawiller also rides Saint La Bamba (race two), Sailor Sam (race four) and Foreign News (race six).
The 36-year-old based himself in Victoria for six weeks and had a mixed carnival with a Group One success on Descarado in the Caulfield Stakes and Group Two wins on More Joyous and Vintedge.
The big disappointment was missing the Melbourne Cup and also the VRC Oaks meeting because of suspension, while he had to sit out the Cox Plate after his mount Descarado was scratched.
He said the suspension also cost him the Emirates Stakes ride on eventual winner Albert The Fat.
“It’s a great time of year to be in Melbourne with their racing, but I must say by the time the Sandown Guineas and Classic meeting comes around you’re ready to come home and get back into your usual surroundings,” Rawiller said.
“And hopefully I come back in some good form.”
AAP TURF
