March 16 - Some say it's not what you know, but who you know, and that's certainly the case with Aussie jockey, Michael Rodd, after he was offered to ride filly Military Rose in Saturday's Reisling Slipper Trial (Gr 2), because her trainer, Gillian Heinrich, remembered him as an apprentice in Queensland.

Both Rodd and Heinrich have come a long way since those days, and both have excelled in their respective disciplines. So it's not surprising she chose her old friend to ride Military Rose in the 1200m race which is open to 2-year-old fillies at set weights, who'll be competing for a generous AUD$300,000 purse.

But the purse will not be on the forefront of the trainers' minds, but rather the fact that the winner of the Reisling Slipper Trial - as its name suggests - is exempt from the ballot for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1) on April 3, arguably one of the most prestigious races in Sydney, and indeed Australia.

So with everything to run for, it's to Michael Rodd's credit that Gillian Heinrich picked him to ride the top-rated Military Rose over anyone else. 'I know Michael from when he was a Queenslander so I'll stick with the Queenslander. He's a great rider and I'm sure he'll do the right thing on Saturday,' she said.

The reason that Heinrich had to find a new jockey for the race is that Military Rose's regular rider, Stathi Katsidis, is serving out a suspension, but will ride her in the Golden Slipper Stakes. Said Heinrich, 'Michael's friends with Stathi which helps because it's hard for a good jockey to say they'll warm the saddle.'

Ahead of the Reisling Slipper Trial Rodd's confidence should be high as last Saturday at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne, he romped home first in the coveted $750,000 Australian Guineas (Gr 1) aboard Rock Classic. That said, he'll have to ride Military Rose blind, as he won't get a chance to work her.

'I don't think he [Katsidis] will get his butt out of the saddle,' said Heinrich, on the jockey who's been working Military Rose. 'She galloped really well last Tuesday morning and fitness-wise she's good for Saturday, obviously with room for improvement because she hasn't run since January's Magic Millions.'

Of the 17 entries entered for the Reisling Slipper Trial, the favourite should be Solar Charged who will attempt to continue her unbeaten record. Other fillies to watch include Victorians Psychologist, Elimbari and Willow Creek.