Indian Pacific winning at Ascot
Flemington-based trainer Nick Ryan is optimistic a step back in grade for his ex-Western Australian galloper Indian Pacific can help him get back to the winner’s enclosure in this week’s Listed Entry Education Abell Stakes (1200m) at The Valley.
Three years ago the son of Zoustar ran second in the Newmarket Handicap, scheduled to run next week, but now a seven-year-old, it is evident that he is not quite at the level he once was.
Last start he ran a gallant 6th in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes at Caulfield, a race which featured Oakleigh Plate 2nd and 3rd placegetters Hypothetical and Mornington Glory, and he looks well suited dropping back to Listed level at The Valley on Friday night.
“First up his run was very solid. He was a bit big and had improvement, but he stuck to his task well,” Ryan said.
“And then again second up the other day, it was a fast run, hot race, Group 2, and I thought he stuck to his task good again and he’s going to improve from the run.
“I think the step up to 1200 around The Valley on Friday night will suit, and coming back to Listed grade, back in class will suit him as well.”
The highlight of Nick Ryan’s training career came just last December in Perth, when he was able to achieve the remarkable feat of saddling up Damien Oliver’s final career win with his final career ride, teaming up to take out the $1.5 million Gold Rush with Munhamek.
That day was also the catalyst for him to land one of the state’s top sprinters in Indian Pacific, still proudly owned by his previous trainer, Neville Parnham.
“Nifty Neville Parnham actually rang me after Munhamek won the Gold Rush.
“He (Indian Pacific) was already in Melbourne spelling at a pre-trainer. Neville being very busy over in the west asked if I’d train him for him, and I jumped at the chance.
“He’s obviously getting on a bit now, but he’s a very good sprinter. Narrowly missing in a Newmarket and winning some good races.
“He’s a good pick up, he’s very sound and been racing very well, and hopefully he’s found a suitable race there Friday night.”
Jamie Mott has been booked for the ride this Friday night, and Ryan says the instructions are likely to be handlebars down, which could be advantageous with the rail going out 4-metres.
“Straight to the front and improve his position at The Valley.
“He’s an on speed horse, he’s got natural gate speed and he’s got a high cruising speed.
“He can give a good kick and sustain a good gallop, and I wouldn’t be taking that away from him.”