Written by Paul Vettise
Nash Rawiller enjoyed an outstanding day at Randwick to put a dark period of his career behind and look ahead to further spring spoils following a quartet of winners, including his biggest success since returning to the saddle.
The Sydney jockey was disqualified for 15 months in April 2018, but after sitting out his suspension, Rawiller gave thought to returning to action in Melbourne before opting on Sydney. He was back in the limelight on Saturday with his efforts crowned by a dominant win aboard Dreamforce (Fastnet Rock) in the G2 Harvey Norman Tramway S.
He had earlier success combined with the exciting 3-year-old Yao Dash (Smart Missile), Miss Invincible (I Am Invincible) and Baller (High Chaparral {Ire}) before the John Thompson-trained Dreamforce provided the icing on the cake.
“It’s terrific and that’s my first Group race since I’ve been back so it’s very exciting,” said Rawiller, who has won 58 Group I races in Australia and is a three-time Sydney premiership winner.
“It’s terrific and that’s my first Group race since I’ve been back so it’s very exciting.” – Nash Rawiller.
“It’s a tremendous effort by the stable and they’ve been in red hot form and John has given me a great go since I’ve been back.
“It gives you a lot of confidence riding for him and he sends them out nice and fit. Full credit goes to him, he does a great job.”
Nash Rawiller had an outstanding day at Randwick
As is customary for Dreamforce, he puts himself into his races early and Rawiller had no hesitation in taking up the running on the gelding and, after kicking well clear 300 metres from home, they sailed home by 3l.
The gelding is a genuine customer, as evidenced by his record of 11 wins and nine placings from his 26 appearances.
“He begins well and gives you 100 per cent every start,” Thompson said. “He’s just so honest and you can’t instil that in horses. He’s sound and he’s a trainer’s dream.
Dreamforce sailed home by 3l
“Nash was terrific on him and I was rapt when he agreed to ride and I just thought he would suit him. Nash is flying and the horse is too, I think he’s better than he’s ever been.”
“Nash was terrific on him and I was rapt when he agreed to ride and I just thought he would suit him.” – John Thompson.
Thompson has the G1 Epson H. as the target race for Dreamforce’s spring campaign.
“That’s the aim and he’ll go to the George Main S. next en route to the Epsom.”
Dreamforce, who failed to meet his $250,000 reserve when offered by Kitchwin Hills at the 2014 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale and is now raced by breeder Joy Luck, is a son of the G1 Coolmore Classic and G1 Queensland Oaks winner Eskimo Queen (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}).
All five of her foals to race have been winners and also includes the G3 Canonbury S. placegetter Deep Chill (Wandjina).
Dreamforce as a yearling
Shark on target
Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) didn’t disappoint in his Australian debut and once clear he found the line strongly for second to indicate he to is on target for the Epsom H.
“The track wasn’t playing like we would have wanted it too – it was on speed,” trainer Jamie Richards said. “He’s got a big finish and James tried to ride him a bit handier.
“He’s still a month away from his grand final so we’re happy.”
Eckstein (I Am Invincible), who is in the twilight of her career, added further black type to her record with a solid effort for third ahead of Star Of The Seas (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}), whose stablemates Kolding (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) and Mister Sea Wolf (Ire) (Amadeus Wolf {GB}) were next home.
