Nash Rawiller brings extensive experience to the Todman Stakes (1200m), where he sees Wolf Gap displaying the essential X-factor for a potential fourth victory in this vital Golden Slipper precursor on Saturday.
Wolf Gap’s Rising Promise
Rawiller rode Tentyris to triumph last year, as the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained contender surged from last to claim the Group 2 for colts and geldings at Randwick. Injury sidelined Tentyris from the Golden Slipper but he now chases a third straight Group 1 win in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.
Rawiller, who previously won the Todman aboard future champion sire Written Tycoon (2005) and five-time Group 1 victor Pierro (2012), reunites with the Freedmans on Wolf Gap. This $280,000 Magic Millions buy, sired by Palace Pier from Snitzel mare Bandol, debuted victoriously at Warwick Farm on February 18, rallying from second-last to beat Naadra over 1100m.
In the Slipper qualifier, Wolf Gap draws the inside gate at $9.50 odds and faces stakes winners Paradoxium ($2.70 TAB), Stretan Ruler ($3.40), Hidrix ($7), Tornado Valley ($8), and Incognito ($11). Rawiller has tracked the colt closely since debut.
“He’s pretty impressive,” Rawiller said. “He got the job done first-up, jumped well, settled back, attacked the line, and stuck his head out to win. He galloped strongly on rain-affected ground at Randwick on Tuesday. You never know with young horses, but the timing feels right. A win here could secure a Slipper spot—he has that X-factor.”
The Randwick track rates Soft 5 on Friday, with storms forecast for Saturday afternoon.
Rawiller’s Packed Card
Rawiller tackles a wide draw in gate nine of 10 aboard Chris Waller-trained Lady Shenandoah ($4.80) in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m). After flashing home for third in the Expressway Stakes on his first ride for the Group 1 winner, he remains optimistic.
“It’s a great opportunity for her to step up,” Rawiller said. “She’s primed with a recent run and suited to this race. It’ll be tough against top rivals, but she felt like a winner pulling up last time.”
He switches to Micheal Freedman’s Decorum ($11) in the Randwick Guineas (1600m), taking over from Tommy Berry. The Snitzel colt boasts three wins from four starts, beaten only by later Group 1 winner Attica on debut, now facing a class rise from midweek company.
“He’s a quality colt with an improving profile,” Rawiller noted. “This is his sternest test yet, but he’s a proven winner. He does just enough in work, and I love horses that lift when it matters.”
Highlighting his card, Rawiller partners 2022 Everest winner Giga Kick in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes (1000m). The Clayton Douglas-trained six-year-old returns to Randwick since runner-up in last year’s Everest.
“He’s a legend,” Rawiller said. “I’m thrilled to ride him—he’s an absolute gun after a sharp workout Tuesday.”
Baker Targets Dry Track for Paradoxium
Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker eyes a firm surface for Paradoxium’s Todman bid to clinch a Golden Slipper berth. Unraced since his Wyong Magic Millions win on December 10—delayed by travel issues and pneumonia—he sits at $11 despite needing victory for the March 21 feature.
Stablemate Warwoven holds as $6 favorite post-fourth in last week’s Skyline Stakes. Baker valued Paradoxium’s trial and gallop.
“He’s in top shape, trialed well, and galloped sharply Tuesday,” Baker said. “His temperament shines; Jason Collett shares our confidence. The extra prep time versus Warwoven suits, and a good track simplifies things.”
On Warwoven: “He’ll sharpen off that run and moves well.”
Baker likely skips the Reisling Stakes with Rachini—a $200,000 yearling resold for $500,000 at Inglis Ready2Race—due to her wide gate 11 of 13. The listed Melbourne winner dominated two Rosehill trials and targets next week’s Magic Night Stakes.
