Rawiller confident he can get timing right again with Lindermann

It comes a week later than expected, but Nash Rawiller believes his return aboard Lindermann could prove perfect timing as he chases a bonus win in the group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) on Saturday at Randwick.

Rawiller was to ride Godolphin star Beiwacht in the group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick two weeks ago, with hopes Chris Waller-trained stablemate Lindermann would be scratched and saved for him to partner in the Memsie Stakes a week later at Caulfield.

A slight temperature for Beiwacht forced a late change, putting Rawiller on Aeliana in the Winx and back to Beiwacht instead for the group 1 Memsie, which the pair then dominated with a front-running, three-length victory.

Seven-year-old Lindermann faded when first up in the Winx Stakes to finish more than seven lengths ninth. It was a similar effort to his 2025 run when 10th, and Rawiller hopes history can repeat in the Chelmsford, which they claimed with a gritty performance out front to hold off Sir Delius. Rawiller has won five times on the Lonhro gelding and they were second, ahead of Autumn Glow, in Sir Delius’ Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory last time together.

Rawiller was forgiving of Lindermann’s Winx run and keen to get him back on track. He was a $2.70 TAB favourite.

“He always seems to improve a lot into his second run and we’ve probably worked that over the last few seasons,” Rawiller said.

“Sometimes you leave the race scratching your head a bit first-up, but then he comes out and blows them away second-up.

“I thought there was a fair bit of pressure on in that race the other day, way too much pressure the first half of the race, so hopefully we can just get him into his normal rhythm and let him do his thing.

“He went out after the leader a long way from home the other day, which he probably didn’t need to do.”

Rawiller, meanwhile, was excited about Beiwacht potentially heading to the $20 million Everest (1200m) and $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m). Godolphin Australia boss Andy Makiv has said the Manikato Stakes could be next for the three-time group 1 winner before possibly going to Australia’s two richest races.

“I think with the Everest, being a strong 1400m horse, it could be an advantage, so it will be interesting,” Rawiller said.

“If he can keep his confidence up and show he’s ready to go there, I think he would be one of the main chances.”

Rawiller was also confident about his chances with another warhorse on Saturday, Private Eye ($3.90), in the group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) after the nine-year-old was strong to the line when second to Cosmic Crusader in the PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m).

“He got beat by the favourite in the Memsie, which ran so well before that, and I was really happy with his run,” he said.