The third of the majors at Rosehill this Saturday is the George Ryder Stakes (1500m), with the race looking quite intriguing on paper.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 George Ryder Stakes.
2025 George Ryder Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Ceolwulf: Ceowulf will love the rise to 1500m. He was off a set back when lining up in the Canterbury Stakes but gee he was a real eye catcher late, working home with real purpose late in the piece behind Royal Patronage against the race shape. Nearing peak fitness and 1500m, he’ll be strong late…and in light of recent media comments saying the horse isn’t as good as what was predicted, gee Joe Pride would love to win this.
2. Tom Kitten: I’d say he was a lucky winner of the All Star Mile given how quiet the ride was on Mr B and how unlucky Another Wil was. Gate is tricky, slowly run race…for mine, he is gross unders.
3. Royal Patronage: He’s short, but given the map, he has to be respected. Got a great run on speed in the Canterbury Stakes and took advantage to score and win well. He looks a soft lead here and with front end control, takes beating.
4. Buckaroo: You have to think this is a prep run for, I assume, the Queen Elizabeth. He’s a class animal but the trials indicate he’ll improve with the run.
5. Gringotts: Very genuine animal. Should have won first up but just got badly held up at the wrong part of the race. Positive ride, he’ll lob outside Royal Patronage and only run well.
6. Militarize: He should be $101+. The saving grace is the potential rain for Friday, but this track will dry out and he needs to get his toe in.
7. Celestial Legend: Celestial Legend…there is signs of life with him I think. Trials were solid enough prior to resuming in the Canterbury Stakes. It was basically a barrier trial for him but gee I liked the way he closed off very late. Another trial for the Doncaster I say, but big tick is getting Hugh Bowman.
8. Kovalica: Likely has eyes on Brisbane, and will be better over further, but he is a really good horse and his trial work has been more than encouraging to my eye. Not sure he wins, but he could pinch a first four spot.
9. Port Lockroy: Very odd set up for this horse. One soft 800m trial under the belt and first up at 1500m…he’s not here to play.
10. Fangirl: Fangirl picks herself I feel as one of the top seeds. She resumed with a bang in the Apollo before contesting the Verry Elleegant when off speed and loomed to win but just couldn’t quite get there behind Via Sistina. Back to 1500m, home track, firm deck, she’s hard to beat.
11. Stefi Magnetica: Everything that could go wrong in the Canterbury Stakes, did go wrong. Wide throughout, saddle slipped…interesting that they have boned Zac but does get the patient hands of Collett. Big danger.
2025 George Ryder Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Win Ceolwulf Tote/SP
Group l Strategy Outlay: $4450
Group l Strategy Return: $2352.5
2025 George Ryder Stakes Speed Map
Royal Patronage is popular in betting and easy to see why given he looks like he will get a very comfortable lead. Gringotts can be ridden forward while from the inside gate, does Buckaroo hold a forward spot. Ceolwulf, has drawn soft and potentially lands the back of Buckaroo.
