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By Ray Hickson

He’s already been to the top of the smaller mountain, but jockey Tyler Schiller says he couldn’t have a better chance in Briasa for his first opportunity in the TAB Everest.

Tyler Schiller has won two Kosciuszkos and chases his first TAB Everest on Saturday. (Pic: Bradley Photos).

Three years ago, Schiller celebrated his birthday by winning The Kosciuszko on Front Page but he watched the Everest from the sidelines. Two years ago he hung over the fence to cheer on his mates Zac Lloyd and Dylan Gibbons in the race.

Last year he was up in the stands with family watching the $20 million sprint.

Finally, the 27-year-old has his chance to be front and centre at Royal Randwick on Saturday and he says winning a race like the TAB Everest can be life changing.

“I think it’s a career defining moment that can catapult you into the next stage,” Schiller said.

“It’d be special to win it for sure and he’s a very good one to have a first ride with, he’s top tier.

“It’s going to be good to be on the other side of the fence.”

It shouldn’t be overlooked that Schiller also has the chance to win a third Kosciuszko as he rides second favourite Clear Thinking in the $2 million race for country horses.

Aside from preferring a kinder barrier, Schiller said things can’t have been any more ideal for Briasa’s build up to the TAB Everest coming into the race a strong winner of the Premiere Stakes (1200m) two weeks ago.

“Other than getting beaten first-up, which is never great, it’s good that he bounced back with a great performance in sharp time,’’ he said.

“It was a personal best and I think he’s still got more to come. But he’s definitely going to have to pull out something exceptional to beat a field like that.

“He’s a winner, he’s never going to win by a big margin because once the job’s done he knows it. It’s going to be a great race, I think we can win it.”

Briasa, $13 with TAB after the barrier draw, has enjoyed cosy runs in his two starts this spring and if he has to draw wider Schiller said he’s in a better position to cope with it third-up.

The grey drew barrier 10 with favourite Ka Ying Rising in seven.

“We’re going to have to be a bit assertive early and hold a spot, I don’t know if that means we’ll have to burn too much petrol early to get into a position where we can win,’’ he said.

“This is more his grand final day, he’s fit and everything is in line for him to burn a little bit early but not as much as if we would drawing a good gate.”

There’s nothing but respect from Schiller for ruling TAB Everest favourite Ka Ying Rising and he’s not placing any emphasis on the widely examined barrier trial last week.

“He’s rated the top sprinter in the world for a reason and they always find a way on race day to bring their A game,’’ he said.

“He’s going to be at his peak on the day and if we’re good enough to beat him it’d be great but it’s always going to be a tough task.”

Schiller won his two Kosciuszkos on Front Page and that’s the horse he’ll have to beat when he rides Clear Thinking, for Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich, if he’s to win a third and while he’s not ridden the mare before he says she’s a very good ride to pick up.

Briasa wins the Premiere Stakes

A two-time Highway winner, the daughter of Group 1 winner Sweet Idea showed her quality with Group 3 placing back in February and while she is first-up on Saturday she’s had three trials in preparation.

“She looks to have trialled quite well the other day,’’ he said.

“The pace will be hot which will really suit her, she’s a nice mare with plenty of upside. If there’s a few that don’t bring their A game she’ll definitely be striking late.

“She’s definitely good enough to be there.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s TAB Everest meeting at Randwick