Jockey Nash Rawiller could still make 100 winners for the season in Sydney

Nash Rawiller was the star of the Autumn carnival but by his own standards he’s fallen away a bit as the Winter period began.

Fresh off a break though and with a renewed confidence after a few winners Rawiller isn’t giving up on reaching 100 winners for the 2010 / 2011 season.

The equation is simple, Rawiller is on 92 winners and therefore requires 8 more from the final four meetings in Sydney.

The first step is Canterbury tomorrow where Rawiller acknowledges he’ll need to come away with at least two to be a realistic chance.

“I think the century is achievable,” he said.

“If I can ride a couple (at Canterbury) tomorrow then it keeps me in the ball game. At least it adds a bit of excitement to the race meetings at this time of the season.”

He has a ride in all but one of the eight races tomorrow and with the majority of them rated as good chances it’s a distinct possibility he’ll move a couple of steps closer to triple figures.

If he’s successful he will become jockey number 14 to reach 100 metro winner in Sydney.

Darren Beadman is the yard stick, he did it eight times over a 14 year career including the 2006 / 2007 season when he set a record of 164.

Other modern riders include Corey Brown who is a double member while Larry Cassidy has a triple earned three years in a row.

Further back in history both George Moore and Kevin Langby also passed the 100 mark on three occasions.

Those to do it twice include Kevin Moses, Malcolm Johnston and Billy Cook.

Rounding out the list are Ted McMenamin, Jack Thompson, Ron Quinton, Shane Dye and Brian York.

Rawiller says his short break has rejuvenated him and he can’t wait to get back in the saddle while he’s feeling in top shape.

“I had a short break then trained hard with my brother (jockey Brad) to get my weight back down and I’m feeling really fit and strong,” he said.

“I’ve learned how to prepare myself and keep my weight under control in recent years. I look at blokes like Jim Cassidy, Robert Thompson and Rod Quinn and I have a lot of respect for the way they have managed their careers over so many years.

“My body is holding up well, my weight is good and, barring injuries, I feel I can ride at this level for at least the next five or six years.”

Rawiller has also confirmed rumours that he may travel to the Northern territory to ride in the Darwin Cup carnival, the biggest race meeting in the top end.

It spans two days on July 30th and August 1st but such is his drive to reach the 100 he may miss day one if it is still within reach.

“If it comes down to the last meeting and I only need say three winners to get the 100, then I’d be keen to stay in Sydney that day,” he said

Peter Moody is also closing in on his ton over in Melbourne however his scenario is a fair bit easier than what Rawiller faces.

Moody also has four meetings remaining in his season but he is sitting just 2.5 points shy of the mark.

If things run perfectly it could all happen for him at Sandown tomorrow where he has three runners, all of which are near enough favourite in their event.

If that doesn’t happen it will only be a matter of time with his Saturday team at Flemington likely to feature a dozen starters.

Barring any catastrophe Moody will join Lee Freedman and David Hayes as the only trainers to bag 100 winners in a Melbourne season.