Briasa’s jockey Tyler Schiller believes his grey star has been handed a tactical advantage after drawing barrier four, inside of favourite Private Harry in Saturday’s Group 2 The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick.

The T J Smith Stakes winner will jump from gate four with Private Harry in five, and Schiller says the draw provides flexibility in how the gelding is ridden.

“I was happy when I saw the barrier draw because it gives us more of a chance to come out and be nice to him rather than force him somewhere from a bad draw, like in the Galaxy when he had to go back and set himself too big a task,” Schiller said.

“He gets a good draw and he’s jumping well. He should put himself in the race and if he’s got the coat tails of Private Harry, he’s going to go a long way.”

Already locked in for an Everest slot, Briasa has tuned up with two strong trial efforts and boasts an impressive record fresh, with his only first-up defeat coming in The Galaxy (1100m) when flashing home for fourth behind Private Harry after drawing wide.

Schiller has partnered Briasa seven times for four victories and is confident the gelding is ready for another big showing, even against Everest rivals Private Harry and Joliestar.

“It’s a very hot race,” Schiller said. “You’ve got Private Harry, Joliestar and Briasa that are all going to The Everest so it’s like a mini Everest without all of the favoured runners being there.

“He’s got a great attitude. He doesn’t have any quirks. He just does his job, pins his ears back and tries very hard.”

The Shorts has drawn a field of 10, which also includes Golden Slipper winner Marhoona and exciting sprinter Jedibeel. Since the introduction of The Everest in 2017, only Ball Of Muscle (2018) has won The Shorts without contesting the spring showpiece, while Redzel (2017) and Classique Legend (2020) both completed the Shorts-Everest double.

Punters eager to back Briasa, Private Harry, or any of Saturday’s runners in The Shorts can find markets at Australia’s leading betting sites.