The George Ryder Stakes is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with Fangirl set to face off against a strong field, including Canterbury Stakes winner Royal Patronage, Ceolwulf, Buckaroo, Militarize, Stefi Magnetica, and Gringotts.
Tom Kitten, All-Star Mile winner, is still based at Flemington but will be nominated, with connections weighing up whether to race at Rosehill or target the Australian Cup the following week.
Top three-year-old Swiftfalcon could also join the field, although he is also nominated for the Rosehill Guineas.
Angel Capital may make his debut for Chris Waller and Yulong Investments, but a range of other options are still under consideration for the talented colt.
Mr Brightside, a champion galloper, will not race, and Another Wil, an emerging star, is another absentee for the Group 1 event.
Star mare Fangirl sits on top of the market with betting companies ahead of Ceolwulf and Melbourne raider Another Wil.
Likely Field for the George Ryder Stakes
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ROYAL PATRONAGE | G Waterhouse & A Bott | T Clark |
| 2 | TOM KITTEN | J Cummings | |
| 3 | BUCKAROO | C Waller | D Lane |
| 4 | KOVALICA | C Waller | |
| 5 | CEOLWULF | J Pride | C Schofield |
| 6 | CELESTIAL LEGEND | L Bridge | H Bowman |
| 7 | GRINGOTTS | C Maher | |
| 8 | ENCAP | G Portelli | |
| 9 | MILITARIZE | C Waller | |
| 10 | FANGIRL | C Waller | J McDonald |
| 11 | STEFI MAGNETICA | B Baker | J Collett |
| 12 | ANGEL CAPITAL | C Waller | |
| 13 | SWIFTFALCON | M, W & J Hawkes |