The George Ryder Stakes has been a bogey race for Fangirl, but the prolific winner is favoured to make amends as she continues her remarkable comeback from a life-threatening injury.
The mare contested the corresponding race in 2023, only to bump into Anamoe at the peak of his powers and finish a fine second.
Twelve months later, she was expected to go one better before a stable accident almost ended her career and her life.
“She missed the race last year due to injury and she was in a bad way, so to have her back racing well and winning…. she is a pretty special horse to us,” trainer Chris Waller said.
“She ran in it two years ago and wasn’t beaten far by Anamoe. Not everything went her way and she is a bigger, stronger version of that.
“I think she is ready to peak.”
Not only has Fangirl overcome the serious leg wound suffered in the stable mishap, but she has returned as good as ever.
Claiming a victory in the 7 Stakes (1600m) during four spring runs, she relegated Via Sistina to third when resuming to win the Apollo Stakes (1400m) in February then beat all but her Cox Plate-winning stablemate in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m).
Waller reports she has improved again since and is spot-on for this weekend’s assignment.
“The Apollo Stakes was a special win and she pushed Via Sistina last start. I think both horses needed it,” Waller said.
With Via Sistina stepping up to 2000 metres in Saturday’s Ranvet Stakes (2000m), Fangirl is an early $3.10 favourite for the George Ryder Stakes (1500m).
The race has attracted a competitive field of 11 that includes dual Group 1 winner Ceolwulf, All-Star Mile hero Tom Kitten and first-up Canterbury Stakes victor Royal Patronage.
