Ryan Moore© Photo Healy Racing
Ryan Moore is the first choice rider for Australian challenger Shamal Wind at Royal Ascot.
Robert Smerdon's charge was last seen when landing a first Group One success at Caulfield in February and is on course to tackle the King's Stand Stakes in Berkshire next month.
While Moore is Smerdon's preferred option for the Dubawi mare, top Australian jockey Damien Oliver is poised to take over should Moore be required to ride for Aidan O'Brien.
Oliver partnered Shamal Wind in her final trail at Cranbourne on Monday, with the five-year-old set to fly to Britain on June 3.
"Ryan Moore is the jockey of choice and he has said if he's not required by Coolmore, then he'll ride her," Smerdon told www.racing.com.
"It was too far out for him to know whether Coolmore require him or not.
"Damien is going to be at Ascot to ride Wandjina, so he put his hand up and said if Ryan's not available he'll do the job.
"So that was the point of this morning's exercise that he get a feel for her, he's never ridden her before, he's now been on her back under a race-day scenario and he might get the chance to jump on her over there as well.
"If we don't get Ryan Moore, it'll be Damien."
