Trainer Nick Ryan will be hoping to continue his excellent strike rate since transferring his training base to Flemington with victory in the VRC/CRV Winter Championship Series Final.
Since moving from Caulfield to set-up at Flemington in April, Ryan has won nine races from 32 starters and registered a second metropolitan double at Flemington on June 19.
One of those runners, Dice Roll, will be his representative in the Winter Championship on Saturday, looking to give Ryan back-to-back victories in the 1600m Listed race.
The Ryan-trained Sircconi won last year by four lengths from the Chris Waller-trained Polly Grey.
The French-bred Dice Roll, a son of Showcasing, has been a revelation since joining Ryan.
Having started out in France where he was successful at Group 3 level and placed in the Group 1 French 2000 Guineas, Dice Roll made his way to Hong Kong, where he was unplaced in 11 starts.
Retired to be a ‘nanny’ for young horses in Australia, Dice Roll was put back into work and under the care of Ryan has won three races, all around the 1400m journey.
On Saturday he steps to 1600m and Ryan does not see that as any concern.
In fact, Ryan believes the rising seven-year-old will relish a longer journey.
Convalescing following a recent hernia operation and being on light duties for up to six weeks, Ryan has been watching work and is adamant Dice Roll is perfect shape for Saturday’s assignment.
“He came through the win terrific and he’s really come on since. He’s bouncing,” Ryan said.
“I’ve just got to get him there on Saturday in good order and he’ll show up again.
“I think the way he’s going he’s definitely looking for the mile now and hopefully beyond and if he can stretch out beyond a mile that opens up a few doors.”
