Everest hopefuls Sunshine In Paris and Lady Laguna sharpen up for Sheraco Stakes clash

An Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald-trained duo prepare for their spring return in next week’s Sheraco Stakes with a stylish gallop between races at Randwick.

Sunshine In Paris and Lady Laguna work to the line together in the exhibition gallop at Randwick. Picture: Getty Images

The Everest hopefuls Sunshine In Paris and Lady Laguna tuned up for their Sheraco Stakes showdown with an impressive exhibition gallop between races at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Sunshine In Paris, ridden by Tommy Berry, led throughout to edge out Lady Laguna, with Tyler Schiller in the saddle, in their 800m workout in 48.86sec with a final 600m in a tick under 34sec.

Annabel Neasham, who trains in partnership with Rob Archibald, said both mares will clash in the Group 2 $300,00 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens next Saturday.

“Lady Laguna can get a bit competitive in her work so it is better to sit off with her,” Neasham said.

Traffic Warden (@JamesCummings88@godolphin) as well as Sunshine in Paris and Lady Laguna (@ANeashamRacing) galloped at Randwick not long ago 👇 pic.twitter.com/4Sj0apZwOH

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) September 7, 2024

“But I thought they both looked great, Sunshine In Paris had her ears pricked, it was just about giving them another day out really.”

Godolphin’s Traffic Warden was ridden by James McDonald in a leisurely solo workout over 1000m which he ran in 1min 05.8sec and a final 600m in 37.49sec.

Trainer James Cummings confirmed Traffic Warden is on target to resume in the Group 2 $300,000 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill.

McDonald also rode Linebacker, trained by John O’Shea and Tom Charlton, who also completed a solo gallop between races over 1000m in 1min 07.8sec and a closing 600m sectional in 36.98sec.

“That’s the first time James has ridden him for about a year and he said he felt great, very sharp, strong, powerful,” Charlton said.

“It was just a comfortable gallop. He is laidback in his work but he’s a buoyant happy horse at the moment.

“He is very fresh and well which is where you want him for this time of the spring. He will go to the Run To The Rose next week - it’s all ahead of him now.”

Originally published as Everest hopefuls Sunshine In Paris and Lady Laguna sharpen up for Sheraco Stakes clash