The omens are positive for Ruling Dynasty when the gelding reunites with jockey Jim Byrne for the first time in a year at Doomben.
Byrne is riding in great style since returning in June after spending four months on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.
He has snapped up the ride on Ruling Dynasty for the Chris Anderson-Robert Heathcote training partnership in Saturday’s Kelly Schweida Open (1600m).
It will be Ruling Dynasty’s third run back from a spell.
Byrne won a 1600m-race on Ruling Dynasty at Doomben in July last year which was the gelding’s most recent win.
Ruling Dynasty showed his liking for the Doomben 1600m when second to Coldstone in the Listed Brisbane Handicap during the summer carnival.
Anderson was pleased with Ruling Dynasty’s most recent run when sixth behind Manaya at Eagle Farm.
“He got home well and that race was 1400 metres which is a perfect stepping stone to the 1600 on Saturday,” Anderson said.
“With Jimmy back riding him the omens look right.”
The trainers will make a decision on a Victorian trip for the stable’s in-form stayer Our Mantra after he runs in the TAB Open Handicap (2200m).
Our Mantra has won four of his past five races in restricted class and makes his open company debut on Saturday.
“He has been carrying big weights and won’t know himself with only 54kg,” Anderson said.
“As for a southern trip we will wait until after Saturday. The horse has done well since winning last week so there will be no excuses.”
