Annabel Neasham is following a well-established plan as Sunshine In Paris gears up for her autumn return, aiming to continue the mare’s stellar first-up record in the Canterbury Stakes at Randwick.

After a brilliant triumph in the VRC Classic at Flemington during the spring, Sunshine In Paris is set to compete against 11 other contenders in Saturday’s Group 1 sprint. The field will also feature Ceolwulf, who was withdrawn on race morning from last weekend’s Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) due to a leg abrasion.

Having won three of her four first-up starts, Sunshine In Paris was only narrowly defeated in last year’s The Galaxy (1100m), highlighting her consistency when fresh.

Neasham has maintained the same preparation strategy that has worked for the five-year-old in past campaigns, including an exhibition gallop at Randwick last Saturday under jockey Chad Schofield.

“It has always worked well with her,” Neasham said.

“Her last three preparations she’s had two trials and an exhibition gallop so I’ve just tried to follow the same path and it’s nice for Chad to have another opportunity to partner her as well.”

With James McDonald, who guided her to VRC Classic victory, committed to riding Canterbury Stakes rival Switzerland, Schofield will take the reins on Sunshine In Paris for the first time in a race.

Schofield is also the regular jockey for Ceolwulf, but with that horse making a late switch to the Randwick feature, he now finds himself in an unfamiliar position—riding against his usual mount.

Neasham and Rob Archibald’s stable have enjoyed a strong partnership with Schofield, particularly with multiple stakes winner Learning To Fly, and the trainer is confident in his abilities.

“Chad has done a lot of riding for us. He is a world-class rider and we were pretty happy that he was available to ride her,” Neasham said.

“We’ve had plenty of time up our sleeve to give her a nice, slow build-up so she is ready to rock and roll.”

Sunshine In Paris will break from barrier 12 in the Canterbury Stakes, but as a natural backmarker, she is well-suited to the wide draw.

Ceolwulf, to be ridden by Adam Hyeronimus, has secured the inside barrier, while Switzerland will jump from gate nine, positioned just outside last year’s Doncaster Mile winner Celestial Legend, who returns to racing after a lackluster spring campaign.