Gerald Ryan is confident the conditions of Saturday’s Group 3 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) will play into the strengths of classy gelding Shoreham following a competitive last-start performance.
Shoreham (left) will carry plenty of upside into Saturday’s Hawkesbury Gold Cup. Photo: Race Horse Photos Australia
Shoreham clearly needed a run when he resumed this time for thirteenth in the Group 3 Doncaster Prelude (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 26th, but took plenty of benefit from the performance when running on well for sixth in the talent-rich Royal Randwick 100 (1400m) at Randwick a fortnight ago.
Ryan told Racing Ahead the son of Reset has continued to improve in training through recent weeks and believes the horse will run a cheeky race in the 2016 Hawkesbury Gold Cup this weekend.
“He’s drawn well and he’s probably a horse that can’t take advantage of a good barrier, but at least it’s better than what he has been drawing,” Ryan said.
“He’s down in weight – he meets Strawberry Boy about 5kgs better having run under three lengths behind him the other day.
“He (Strawberry Boy) was first-up at Randwick over 1400m and we were second-up but he’s come on well since.
“He’s probably going to have to hope for a bit of luck to get out, but the horse is going good. Really ticking over well.”
Shoreham began his racing career under the guidance of Robert Hickmott in 2012 but was purchased and transferred to the care of Saab Hasan after only one start; subsequently posted a commendable record of three wins and twelve minors through a total of thirty-eight starts.
Having again been purchased at the conclusion of his 2015 autumn preparation, Shoreham clearly kicked up a gear upon his arrival at Ryan’s Rosehill stables; finishing second in the Group 3 Tattersall’s Cup (2400m) in his first start.
Having returned to the paddock after placing a credible third in the Listed Grafton Cup (2350m) last July, Shoreham will leave from the ideal barrier 2 with in-form hoop Brenton Avdulla in the saddle on Saturday, and has been charged with carrying only 54kgs in the Hawkesbury Gold Cup.
Ladbrokes Australia are currently offering Shoreham at Hawkesbury Cup odds of $19 to win, or $5.50 to finish in the first three.
