Ryan Gets A Lift To Melbourne
Saturday, 25 October 2008:  | | Gerald Ryan |
Trainer Gerald Ryan said the mare would have her next start in the Group Two Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington in two weeks before heading for the Sandown Classic (2400m) a week later.
"I might be aiming a bit high but she showed today that she's going well enough to warrant taking her to those races," Ryan said.
Ridden by Glyn Schofield, Ready To Lift was stuck behind a wall of horses halfway down the straight and the South African hoop was forced to take the mare about eight off the fence and she only saw daylight in the last 250 metres.
And that's all Ready To Lift needed as she quickly put paid to her rivals, going on to defeat Juerga by a length in the Sydney Pet and Animal Show Handicap (2000m).
"That's her third win from five starts over this trip and she goes to Melbourne with a great chance," Ryan said.
Ready To Lift's victory notched up a winning double for Ryan after smart three-year-old Ahdashim kept his unbeaten record intact in the Pages Event Equipment Handicap (1300m).
"I've never seen him get beaten at jumpouts, barrier trials or races, he's pretty good this horse and he's done enough this time to earn a rest now," Ryan said.
"But I'll bring him back for the autumn - he looks like a stakes horse in the making.
"He's bred to run a trip but I don't think he's a Derby horse."
Ahdashim added to his recent wins at Newcastle over 900 metres and Warwick Farm where he won an 1100-metre race.
"That was a surprise to see him win over those distances but it shows the type of horse he is, he's a pretty determined type," Ryan said.
Meanwhile, Group Two-placed Voice Commander edged out Walking Or Dancing by a half-head in a thrilling Vale Graeme Pash Handicap (1400m).
The Nick Olive-trained Voice Commander was ridden by Tye Angland and landed his fourth win from 10 starts.
Gergis from the Peter Snowden yard made it consecutive victories when he beat Let Me Adam by a short neck in the final race of the day, the Rosehill Gardens Events Handicap (1400m).
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