Defending T J Smith Stakes title holder Briasa is Tyler Schiller’s highest profile Group One ride on the opening day of The Championships at Randwick, but he reckons his other two are flying under the radar.
The talented jockey also partners Steparty ($19) for Paul Preusker in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) and the Matt Smith-trained Dezignation ($151) in the ATC Australian Derby (2400m), and regards both as knockout chances.
While marked as the rank outsider of the Derby field, Dezignation closed late to finish fifth to Saturday’s rival Storm Leopard ($5) in the Tulloch Stakes (2000m) and unlike many of his opponents, is proven at the journey.
Schiller rode the gelding for the first time in the lead-up race and walked away impressed.
“He sneaks in off a really good run in the Tulloch,” Schiller said.
“He got back and was taken off the bridle a long way from home, and he stayed on super strong. He just needed a bit further, which he is going to get this weekend.
“As long as he backs up, he’s going to have a really good chance, and he’s got a lovely barrier compared to his outside barrier the other day.
“If it’s a good staying test, he is going to be in the finish.”
Likewise, with much of the Doncaster Mile focus on brilliant filly Sheza Alibi, Steparty hasn’t garnered much attention.
A multiple Group 1 placegetter, the five-year-old has made the odd foray to Sydney previously, including when finishing runner-up in the 2024 The Ingham (1600m) over the Doncaster circuit.
Posting a brace of victories in Tasmania in February, Steparty comes into Saturday’s feature off a close fifth to Tom Kitten in the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington and is drawn to get an economical run from barrier six.
“He’s a really nice horse. He’s got a great attitude and he’s another one flying under the radar,” Schiller said.
“He got beaten a length and a bit in the All-Star Mile off a tough, wide run, and he’s going as good as ever.
“Fingers crossed, barrier six is a lovely barrier in the Doncaster. Hopefully he can bounce and get a bit of cover somewhere and save himself for late. He drops a lot in weight, so I think he might surprise a few people.”
Steparty has carried 59kg at his past three starts in weight-for-age company and has 51.5kg at Randwick.
Schiller will be chasing his first Derby win and second Doncaster Mile after guiding Celestial Legend to victory two years ago.
