Sunseekers rarely put Melbourne at the top of their list but that is precisely where Gerald Ryan is headed with Standout in his quest for a dry track.
The classy sprinter has twice been slated to resume in Sydney and has been scratched both times due to rain-affected ground.
With fine skies predicted in Melbourne this week and lack of suitable races at home, Ryan has decided to send Standout south for a first-up shot at the Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield.
Ryan has won the race twice with Snitzel (2006) and Mrs Onassis (2013) and believes Saturday’s renewal could set up well for Standout.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the Oakleigh Plate
“I always thought this race would suit this horse, just the speed they go in it, there’s only one corner and his 1100 metre form is his best form,” Ryan said.
“The only thing is Sydney horses at Caulfield first up. That’s at the back of your mind.
“But there is only one turn there, there will no doubt be a heap of speed on in the race so he can balance up and be strong late.”
The four-year-old worked in the reverse direction at Rosehill on Monday and is due to travel to Victoria on Wednesday night.
It will be his second time in Melbourne after he finished down the track behind Bivouac in the VRC Classic last spring when he was coming to the end of his preparation.
He boasts an excellent fresh record and even a wide draw in 15 has not dented Ryan’s enthusiasm.
“Mrs Onassis won it from an outside gate,” he said.
The fancied runners had mixed luck at the draw with South Australian Ancestry coming up with a perfect gate in four while Anders has drawn barrier 17 and Dirty Work barrier one.
