Blake Shinn has snared the ride on talented colt Hinchinbrook who ramps up his spring preparation with a barrier trial this week.Since splitting with the Gai Waterhouse stable earlier this year to become a free agent, Shinn has developed a successful association with Hinchinbrook's trainer Gerald Ryan, including a Group One victory on Melito in the TJ Smith Stakes."Blake will ride Hinchinbrook in the barrier trial on Tuesday," Ryan said."He has committed to ride him this spring."The plan is for

Blake Shinn has snared the ride on talented colt Hinchinbrook who ramps up his spring preparation with a barrier trial this week.

Since splitting with the Gai Waterhouse stable earlier this year to become a free agent, Shinn has developed a successful association with Hinchinbrook's trainer Gerald Ryan, including a Group One victory on Melito in the TJ Smith Stakes.

"Blake will ride Hinchinbrook in the barrier trial on Tuesday," Ryan said.

"He has committed to ride him this spring.

"The plan is for Hinchinbrook to kick off in the Starlight Stakes on August 14 and after that we'll decide whether to go to the Golden Rose.

"The 1400 metres might come a bit soon but we'll see how he comes through his first start."

The Starlight Stakes (1100m) is on the same day as the Run To The Rose over 1300 metres, two weeks before the first Group One race of the season which takes place at Hinchinbrook's home track, Rosehill.

Shinn also has a winning association with Hinchinbrook's stablemate Rothesay, claiming two races aboard the rising four-year-old during the recent Brisbane carnival, including the Queensland Guineas.

"Rothesay has had a three-week break and is back in work," Ryan said.

"He will run first-up in the Theo Marks Stakes and we'll go from there."

The Group Two Theo Marks Stakes (1400m) is at Rosehill on September 11.

Both Hinchinbrook and Rothesay are by Group One-winning sprinter Fastnet Rock but Ryan does not believe they are restricted to the shorter distances.

Rothesay handled the 1600 metres of the Queensland Guineas with ease while Hinchinbrook ran third in the AJC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) when ridden by Damien Oliver after his Golden Slipper fourth with Darren Beadman aboard.

However, stablemate Melito has proved she is a superior sprinter with her autumn-winter campaign which netted the Group One Winter Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm in addition to her TJ Smith victory.

In between those wins, she racked up minor placings in four Group One races, the All Aged Stakes, the BTC Cup, the Doomben 10,000 and the Stradbroke Handicap.

Melito was tested as a stayer last spring but was eased out of the VRC Oaks due to Corey Brown's concerns over her health.

"She will have just the two starts this spring," Ryan said.

"She will run in the Australia Stakes (formerly Moir Stakes) on Cox Plate day at Moonee Valley and then the Patinack Classic on the last day of the Melbourne Cup carnival, both over 1200 metres.

"She is still in the spelling paddock and doing very well."