Racing
Gringotts trying to overcome the burden of Doncaster history
Gringotts has to shoulder a burden that has proven beyond every Group 1 $4 million Doncaster Mile winner this century when he contests the famous Royal Randwick 1600m race on Saturday.
The Ciaron Maher-trained Gringotts has topweight of 58.5kg, a handicap that no Doncaster winner has carried successfully for more than three decades.In fact, the only horse to carry more than Gringotts to win the Doncaster since the metric measurement system was introduced in 1972 is the legendary Super Impose when he won the race for a second time under 59.5kg in 1991.
Mighty mare Sunline had 58kg when she also won her second Doncaster in 2002.
"Gringotts is a marvel,'' Rawiller said.
"His record over the Randwick mile is super and he carries weight well.
"He won the Big Dance last spring with 62kg and he had 61kg when he won The Gong.''
Rawiller said Gringotts gets his chance after drawing barrier two.
"The barrier uncomplicates it for us and suits his style of racing.
"We should be able to get into a good spot early, if I can give him a nice 'smother' it will give him every opportunity to show his good turn of foot.
"He does it within himself, puts himself into a position and is the ultimate racehorse.''
Gringotts won The Big Dance third-up last spring and Maher has followed that blueprint with the gelding's Doncaster preparation.
After finishing unplaced in the Canterbury Stakes when resuming, Gringotts showed he is right on target for the Doncaster when he ran second to super mare Autumn Glow in the George Ryder Stakes last start.
"If you take the good mare (Autumn Glow) out of it, he was very impressive in the Ryder,'' Rawiller said.
"He took an awkward run near the 150m and really hit the line well.
"I got the feel his next 100m was going to be even better so it was a perfect lead-up to the Doncaster.''
Rawiller conceded the lightly-weighted three-year-olds Sheza Alibi (49kg), Autumn Boy (52kg), Sixties (49kg) and Attica (50kg) will be hard to beat but is hoping the usual frenetic tough Randwick mile could leave them vulnerable.
"Normally the Doncaster is a high pressure race,'' Rawiller said.
"If there is any chinks in their armour, Gringotts will be a tough nut to crack, that's for sure.''
Gringotts is on the third line of Doncaster betting at $13 behind Sheza Alibi at $2 and Autumn Boy at $7.
Rawiller only has the one Group 1 ride on Saturday and is hoping Gringotts can deliver him a major after some near misses this autumn.
"I've had a few seconds to the odds-on pops Autumn Glow, Aeliana (Ranvet Stakes on Lindemann) and Tempted (Surround Stakes on Savvy Hallie),'' he said.
"But it can turn around quickly so I hope we have a bit of luck on Saturday.''
Rawiller joins forces with trainer Matthew Dunn to ride the in-form mare Considered in the $1 million Country Championships Final (1400m).
She started her winning streak in a Dubbo maiden in June last year and has stormed through her classes since. The four-year-old mare goes to Randwick after winning a Highway at Rosehill, a Country Championships heat at Coffs Harbour then racing away with the Military Rose Plate at the Gold Coast last start.
"I haven't ridden Considered before but she looks an exciting mare,'' Rawiller said.
"I have a lot of confidence teaming up with Matt Dunn, we have had such a good association.''
Rawiller has three rides on Day One of The Championships including Spicy Lu in the Group 3 $250,000 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m).
"But at Kembla last start I was left scratching my head a bit as she was disappointing (eighth to Feminino).
"Nick Olive (trainer) will have her primed for Saturday and I'm sure she can run well.''
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