Twenty-five years after claiming his first Group win with Grey And Gold in the Villiers Stakes, John O’Shea remains a central figure in Australian racing.

He added a second Villiers with On A High before winning the race in its current form as The Ingham (1600m) in 2022 with Kirwin’s Lane.

Now partnered by Tom Charlton, O’Shea will attempt a fourth success in Saturday’s Randwick feature.

“Obviously, a lot of water has gone under the bridge, but it’s a race that has always been very dear to me and let’s hope we can be competitive again,” O’Shea said.

The veteran trainer says Charlton’s rise has brought fresh energy to the stable.

“I think it’s always important to embrace youth,” O’Shea said.

In Yorkshire, the pair believe they have a genuine contender.

The gelding rebounded from heart arrhythmia to win the Festival Stakes (1500m) and is well weighted at 53kg.

“He is probably the most accomplished horse we’ve run in it, apart from It’s Somewhat but It’s Somewhat had 59 kilos,” O’Shea said.

Early betting support suggests Yorkshire is poised to make a major summer statement.