Top-tier sprinter Briasa and jockey Tyler Schiller are a rarity in current racing circles.
Interstate carnival scheduling conflicts, suspensions, and the sport’s cunning aspects usually prompt jockey changes, though on Saturday at Randwick, Schiller reunites with the grey speedball for the 13th time from 16 starts – 11th in a row.
Zac Lloyd last piloted Briasa other than Schiller in October 2024, so the jockey’s attachment to the Hawkes Racing gelding comes naturally.
“Definitely. He’s pretty cruisy,” Schiller said.
“He mopes around the stable like a stayer, but he’s one of the fastest horses I’ve sat on.
“Being with the Hawkes camp has helped me get closer to him. I don’t do any of his trackwork, so it’s probably strange I do have a good association with him because the only time I sit on him is race day and trials, but he’s going terrific.”
They share credit for six successes, including victory in last year’s T J Smith Stakes (1200m) off a fast-closing fourth from The Galaxy (1100m).
This year’s Rosehill sprint saw him in the same spot despite four kilos more, and Schiller believes Briasa is every bit as sharp – possibly sharper – than last year.
“Weight differential in the Galaxy this year to last year had a big bearing,” he said.
“If he’d had the same weight as last year, he probably sits three-wide with cover and wins, but having the extra kilos was the big difference.
“He’s definitely going as well. Maybe better.
“There were no A graders there (in the Galaxy), so he will need to lift again second-up, which he usually does. His form shows his second-up run is usually his best, so fingers crossed.”
The T J Smith Stakes (1200m) draws a tight field of nine, spearheaded by exciting three-year-old Tentyris, 2022 Everest conqueror Giga Kick, and elite mare Joliestar.
Back-to-back glory would align Briasa with Nature Strip (2020-22), Chautauqua (2015-17), and Black Caviar (2011 and 2013), the exclusive trio to defend the showpiece in the last 20 years.
Discover the finest racing betting markets ahead of the T J Smith Stakes.