A daring ploy to send Saremenha onto unraced ground in Rosehill’s soggy conditions almost paid off on Saturday but the result was still a win for trainer Gerald Ryan.
While Saramenha ($21) was skimming the outside fence, stablemate Australian Star ($13) hit the line towards the inside a half neck in front to win the N & A Fruit Distributors Benchmark 74 (1500m).
Australian Star ($13) hit the line towards the inside a half neck in front to win the N & A Fruit Distributors Benchmark 74 (1500m) - Photo by Steve Hart.
The victory brought up a wet weather double for the trainer on his home track following two-year-old Hurricane Henny’s win.
Australian Star began from barrier two in the 14-horse field while Saramenha started from nine.
“We decided after the first race to go there from her barrier,” Ryan said.
“She is the sort of horse who needs some room and it almost came off. Even though she didn’t win it was good to see her come back to that sort of form.”
The trainer was equally pleased with the winner who claimed his second win from 13 starts which have also netted five placings.
“He’s been an honest horse who has been racing since Magic Millions day in January and I don’t think he’s finished further back than fifth,” he said.
“Now we know he handles the wet and 1500 metres is his go.
“He deserved the win.”
Unfortunately Adnocon could not complete a perfect day for the trainer when he ran third in the Eye Liner Stakes at Ipswich while Ryan watched from Sydney.
“He was brave,” Ryan said.
“He was four and five wide the whole way and has done well to run third.
Adnocon had won the previous two runnings of the Listed sprint but could not get to favourite Belltone and was edged out of second by Jetset Lad.
