Nash Rawiller will serve as hoop aboard Sidestep, the son of Exceed And Excel, in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot Racecourse on November 22.

Trainer John O’Shea secured the services of Rawiller for the Godolphin horse after deciding Sidestep needed someone to stand over him.

Rawiller is currently serving back-to-back careless riding suspensions, which means his first day back in the saddle will be on Saturday week in Perth.

“I think the horse needs someone to stand over him and Nash should be the perfect fit,” O’Shea told TVN.

Sidestep, who is a $17 shot in the Winterbottom Stakes betting market at Ladbrokes.com.au, made his first and only spring campaign start in the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday. Taking on some of the country’s best sprinters (Chautauqua, Lankan Rupee, and winner Terravista) he could only manage an eighth place finish, four lengths behind the winner.

O’Shea thinks the run was sufficient for a start in the 2014 Winterbottom Stakes, and the entire will travel to Perth on Friday to contest the sprint race.

“I think his run was sufficient for a Winterbottom Stakes in my opinion,” O’Shea said.

“It was more than acceptable and I believe being cluttered up between runners is not his go.

“James (McDonald) said he kept sucking out of scenarios and didn’t improve quick enough like a horse like Terravista.

“I was a little reluctant to use the head gear (blinkers) on him first-up in a race of that quality, so I have them up my sleeve and I think he will make good improvement with them on.”

This will be the first time Rawiller will partner Sidestep.

Half-brother Careless may join Sidestep in Perth or he may run this Saturday in the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m). O’Shea will accept for the race but it all depends on his barrier draw for the Zipping Classic Day race.

“I will accept for the Sandown Guineas with Careless and if he comes up with a bad barrier this week, we would look at Perth as an option,” O’Shea said.

Open your Ladbrokes.com.au online betting account today to start betting on the first two races of the Perth Summer Racing Carnival.