Brad Rawiller has served a reminder of his talent with a pinpoint frontrunning ride on Coal Crusher at Rosehill, although the win might not be enough to keep the heavyweight rider in Sydney.
Rawiller had been based in Perth before making the move east a few months ago and while he was initially getting good opportunities, particularly on the provincial circuit, he said they had dwindled since his return from a hit-and-run visit to Ascot for The Quokka two weeks ago.
While he is yet to make any concrete decisions, Rawiller says he has little option but to weigh up another interstate move.
“The way it started off in Sydney I thought I was on track but the way it is going, it looks like I might have to move back to Victoria,” Rawiller said.
“Since I’ve been back from Perth, I’ve only had five rides in two weeks.
“I know I’m a heavyweight, but I was getting more rides when I first moved here.”
Rawiller might find that scenario changes quickly after showcasing his talent on Saturday aboard Coal Crusher in the Kerrie Borger Handicap (1400m).
With the horse’s last-start rider Chad Schofield opting to head to Brisbane for the Queensland Guineas meeting, Rawiller picked up the ride on the Joe Pride-trained sprinter and left no stone unturned in his race preparation.
“I was adamant the fence hadn’t been touched, virtually, and was the best part of the ground,” Rawiller said.
“I said to connections before the race, our best chance is to cut the corner and get them chasing and thankfully – it was a long last fifty – but he held on.”
Coal Crusher lasted by a half-neck over the fast-finishing Logan Street Lion with Bold Mac also doing his best work late, another short head away.
The winner is now likely to head to Brisbane for the Group 3 BTC Sprint (1350m) at Doomben on May 20.
Pride wasn’t on track at Rosehill but his son Brave was there to oversee the stable’s team and was especially thrilled the sprinter was able to return to the winner’s list.
“I’ve been Coal Crusher’s strapper, he’s my favourite horse,” Brave Pride said.
“We thought he would run well today but it was great to see him win.”
Earlier in the day, apprentice Jett Stanley celebrated his 19th birthday in style by scoring his first Sydney Saturday metropolitan victory aboard French import Healing Oasis for new boss Annabel Neasham.