Express Pass (Image: Racing Photos)
Nick Ryan will resist the temptation to kick-off Express Pass' summer campaign in Saturday's Manfred Stakes (1200m), instead confirming the talented three-year-old will head to an easier 1000-metre assignment at The Valley on Friday night.
The son of Wandjina hinted at above-average talent during the spring with an impressive maiden win and a Group 2 placing behind Dalasan in the Danehill Stakes (1200m) before things went awry in the Guineas Prelude (1400m) and Caulfield Guineas (1600m).
While he isn't running from a rematch with Dalasan and Guineas winner Super Seth in Saturday's G3 contest at Caulfield, Ryan said Friday night's race fitted better into the colt's likely program.
"He had a good gallop yesterday (Monday) morning at Sandown and we'll be accepting Friday night at The Valley," Ryan said.
"We may just keep Saturday in mind given the weather because Friday is going to be a bit hot.
"The plan is to run on Friday and then go three weeks into the Zeditave Stakes on his home track, beyond there we haven't given it too much thought yet."
WATCH: Express Pass runs third behind Dalasan in the Danehill Stakes
Ryan said Express Pass will be kept to sprint trips this campaign, with several interstate options over 1200m beyond the Zeditave Stakes.
"He's a very exciting prospect for the stable based on a couple of his runs in the spring," he said.
"This preparation we'll be keeping him to the sprinting trips, I think that's his go.
"He always gave us the indication he would get out over a bit of a trip, he's got a lovely, big stride and he's good in the wind but he just had a bit of a mishap in the Prelude and things didn't really go that well for him in the Guineas."