3 minute read

In-form jockey Tyler Schiller has a soft spot for country gelding Front Page.

Front Page hasn't contributed to Tyler Schiller's three Group One wins, but he has given the talented young rider some of the biggest thrills of his burgeoning career.

Schiller was still an apprentice when he posted one of his first feature victories aboard the gelding in the 2022 Wagga Town Plate before going on to pilot him to an all-the-way success in that year's Kosciuszko for then-trainer Geoff Duryea.

The pair made it successive Kosciuszkos for the gelding's new conditioner, Matt Dale, last spring and on Saturday, they will team up again in the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.

"His run in the Town Plate at Wagga was probably one of my biggest wins at the time then he's done a really good job for me coming through the grades," Schiller said.

"He's a lovely horse and he tries his guts out.

"His soundness has always been an issue, that's why he has been so lightly raced, but lately Matt (Dale) has got him under control, and he has been really good this whole prep."

Schiller has ridden Front Page six time for three wins and two placings, including a last-start third in the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m).

From an outside draw, Front Page assumed his customary leadership role and kicked clear in the straight before being collared in the shadows of the post by Zapateo and Sunshine In Paris.

"At the top of the straight he quickened very well and he's so hard to get past the last 200 (metres), so when he was still in front coming to the 150, I thought I'd pinched it," Schiller said.

"But probably just the gate was his worst nightmare. He jumped really well but had to do a little bit of work to get across and he was super tough."

Front Page will go into Saturday's Hall Mark Stakes off a four-week break between runs and is a solid $2.10 favourite.

He is among a full book of 10 rides for Schiller, whose mounts also include Group 1 contenders Encap in the All Aged Stakes (1400m) and El Castello in the Champagne Stakes (1600m).