Annabel Neasham is implementing a tried and tested formula ahead of the autumn return of Sunshine In Paris as she bids to extend the mare’s outstanding first-up record in the Canterbury Stakes at Randwick.
A brilliant winner of the VRC Classic at Flemington in the spring, Sunshine in Paris is among 12 acceptors for Saturday’s Group 1 sprint, which will also feature Ceolwulf following his race morning withdrawal from last weekend’s Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) due to a leg abrasion.
Sunshine In Paris has won three of her four fresh runs and was narrowly denied in last year’s The Galaxy (1100m) in her other.
Neasham has replicated the same recipe used in previous campaigns to prepare the five-year-old for the Canterbury Stakes (1300m), including an exhibition gallop between races at Randwick last Saturday with jockey Chad Schofield 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 her VRC Classic-winning jockey James Mcdonald committed to Canterbury Stakes rival Switzerland, Schofield will be partnering Sunshine In Paris in a race for the first time.
Schofield is also the regular rider of Ceolwulf but with that horse belatedly changing course to the Randwick feature, the hoop finds himself in the unfamiliar role of attempting to mastermind the star galloper’s undoing.
The Neasham and Rob Archibald stable have enjoyed a successful combination with Schofield, notably with multiple stakeswinner Learning To Fly, and the trainer is buoyed to have him on board.
“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 has drawn barrier 12 for the Canterbury Stakes but she is a natural backmarker.
Ceolwulf, who will be ridden by Adam Hyeronimus, has the inside alley, while Switzerland will jump from gate nine, immediately outside last year’s Doncaster Mile winner Celestial Legend who resumes following a disappointing spring.
