Annabel Neasham is sticking to a familiar formula as Sunshine In Paris prepares for her autumn return in the Canterbury Stakes at Randwick, aiming to extend the mare’s impressive first-up record.

After a brilliant win in the VRC Classic at Flemington last spring, Sunshine In Paris is among the 12 acceptors for Saturday’s Group 1 sprint, which will also feature Ceolwulf, following his withdrawal from last weekend’s Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) due to a leg issue.

Sunshine In Paris has won three of her four first-up races and was narrowly beaten in last year’s The Galaxy (1100m) in her only other attempt.

Neasham has followed the same preparation path as in previous campaigns, including an exhibition gallop at Randwick last Saturday with jockey Chad Schofield aboard.

“It has always worked well with her,” Neasham said.

“Her last three preparations she’s had two trials and an exhibition gallop, so I’ve just tried to follow the same path, and it’s nice for Chad to have another opportunity to partner her as well.”

With James McDonald committed to Switzerland for the Canterbury Stakes, Schofield will ride Sunshine In Paris for the first time.

Schofield, who regularly rides Ceolwulf, now faces the challenge of trying to prevent his usual mount from winning.

Neasham is happy to have Schofield aboard, noting their successful partnership with horses like Learning To Fly.

“Chad has done a lot of riding for us. He is a world-class rider, and we were pretty happy that he was available to ride her,” Neasham said.

“We’ve had plenty of time up our sleeve to give her a nice, slow build-up so she is ready to rock and roll.”

Sunshine In Paris has drawn barrier 12 for the Canterbury Stakes, but her racing style suits the backmarkers.

Ceolwulf, ridden by Adam Hyeronimus, has the inside gate, while Switzerland will start from barrier nine, just outside last year’s Doncaster Mile winner Celestial Legend, who resumes after a disappointing spring.