Damien Oliver is the new rider for beaten Blue Diamond Stakes favourite Beneteau who steps out for his final Golden Slipper lead-up at Randwick on Saturday.Trainer Paul Messara said it was a tough decision to replace stable apprentice Daniel Ganderton, who had ridden Beneteau in all three starts."Daniel really didn't do anything wrong by the horse but he is owned by a large syndicate and they thought it would be worthwhile to try a senior jockey," Messara said."Daniel's obviously disappointed bu

Damien Oliver is the new rider for beaten Blue Diamond Stakes favourite Beneteau who steps out for his final Golden Slipper lead-up at Randwick on Saturday.

Trainer Paul Messara said it was a tough decision to replace stable apprentice Daniel Ganderton, who had ridden Beneteau in all three starts.

"Daniel really didn't do anything wrong by the horse but he is owned by a large syndicate and they thought it would be worthwhile to try a senior jockey," Messara said.

"Daniel's obviously disappointed but he understands he will have future opportunities and he got an opportunity to ride a $3 favourite in a Group One which not many apprentices get to do."

Messara revealed several top jockeys put their hands up for the ride but Oliver's availability for both the Group Three Skyline Stakes (1200m) this weekend and Golden Slipper on Easter Saturday helped him clinch the mount.

"As it turned out, with the postponement of the other races (Australian Cup and Guineas) in Melbourne and other riders being committed to different stables and possibly not able to commit to a ride in the Slipper, we went for Damien," Messara said.

Beneteau is one of 18 entries for the Skyline along with Canonbury Stakes winner Hinchinbrook, Wyong Slipper winner Brightexpectations - one of six nominations for trainer Gai Waterhouse - and the David Hayes-prepared Legalistic.

Legalistic's dam Legally Bay won the Sweet Embrace Stakes on the corresponding program seven years ago when it was run at Canterbury.

Beneteau has not raced since suffering his first defeat when third to Star Witness in the Blue Diamond on February 20.

Messara said he had freshened up well and would take further improvement from Saturday's race.

"He's not fully wound up for Saturday, I've left him on the fresher side to ensure he gets to the Slipper," Messara said.

"He's had a long preparation and he's still doing it all on raw talent."

Messara could have up to four runners at Randwick with Leicester Square nominated for the Group One Randwick Guineas (1600m), Golden Dive for the Listed Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) and Alverta the Listed Wenona Girl Hcp (1200m).

Alverta will be shooting for successive stakes wins after claiming the Group Two Breeders Classic at her most recent start.

"She's done super, she's put on a stack of weight since her last win which is good for her," Messara said.

"She galloped really well on the weekend and if they're kind to us in the weights she's a big chance."

Tye Angland has retained the ride on Alverta after riding her in the Breeders Classic.