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By Ray Hickson

A different Randwick mile was the spring target for Group 1 winner Gringotts but Tuesday’s $3 million Big Dance (1600m) can serve as a more than handy consolation.

Johann Gerard-Dubord (Pic: Bradley Photos).

The reigning Big Dance hero may not have had the chance to go back-to-back had he performed to trainer Ciaron Maher’s hopes in the King Charles III on Everest Day but a well publicised virus forced a rethink.

Maher’s assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord said while things haven’t gone to plan the six-year-old still has some fresh legs with only two runs so far this campaign.

“The King Charles was probably the target, he had a couple of setbacks and a big gap between runs but it’s a nice race for him,’’ he said.

“It was always on the radar, it wasn’t going to be the grand finale but he happens to get there peaking.

“I don’t think the horse could be going any better. He’s won a Gong with 60kg and last start he had 61kg so he can carry the weight. It’s not ideal but he’s one horse who can carry it.”

Gringotts, $3.10 with TAB on Monday, had 58.5kg and barrier 19 when he beat stablemate Vivy Air last year and Gerard-Dubord said gate five helps offset that rise to 62kg.

And he feels jockey Nash Rawiller having had experience on the gelding when runner-up in the Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) three weeks ago will be beneficial as they look to turn the tables on Headley Grange.

“There were probably a couple of things he would have done differently if he knew the horse,’’ he said.

“From that gate he will have all the options. Last year he had the wide gate and had to work early to get there. While he has the extra weight he has a better gate this year.”

A win would push Gringotts' prizemoney past $5 million and he only needs a top ten finish to reach $4 million in earnings.

For the second year running, also, Vivy Air earned her way into the Big Dance via the Wild Card but this time around she’s a winner having held off Swiftfalcon to post her first win for the Maher stable and third overall.

She’s had the barrier switch as well, drawing wide this year, but Gerard-Dubord said you always know what to expect from her.

“She’s been very consistent, always runs a good race,’’ he said.

“She does find it hard to win but we’ve learned about her. You’re better getting there too soon rather than later with her.

“If there is a lot of pressure it will suit her because she will need luck from that gate.

“Getting that win will give her confidence, she has been out of the winner’s stall for a while, and there’s no reason why she won’t run well again.”

The outsider of Maher’s trio in the Big Dance is Tuncurry Cup winner Lugh who has only raced eight times for five wins.

Gringotts runs second in the Alan Brown

Gerard-Dubord said the five-year-old does have the 9kg advantage over Gringotts but would benefit most from a wet track if one was presented on Tuesday.

“He’s very different to the other two, he’s very lightly raced,’’ he said.

“He’s an improver and has a good record, he’s a genuine horse and you know what you get with him.”

All the fields, form and replays for Tuesday's Big Dance meeting at Randwick