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Gerald Ryan will be hoping progressive filly Villa Splendido can continue to raise the bar this Saturday at Flemington when she attempts to stake her claims for this year's Thousand Guineas.
Photo by Racing and Sports
Previously trained by Garry White, Villa Splendido joined Ryan's stable in July after a very promising maiden campaign which saw her race twice, scoring impressively on debut at Hawkesbury before an eye-catching second at Scone behind Diamond Earth after jumping from the outside stall in the field of fourteen.
Making her debut for the Ryan stable at Randwick last start, the daughter of Holy Roman Emperor showed some very positive signs when working home well to finish second behind Ichihara.
"She ran really well first up over an unsuitable journey, I think she found the 1100m a little bit short for her but she worked home very well," Ryan said.
"She ran really good sectionals and it was pleasing to see her make ground on a day that was dominated by leaders."
Stepping out at her first attempt at the Melbourne way of going, Ryan is adamant she will have no problems making the transition.
"She came the Monday night after her run at Randwick and has settled in really well since arriving and really pleased us with her work on Tuesday morning.
"We've been really happy with her and don't have any concerns with her going the Melbourne way on Saturday.
"I think she'll run really well."
Champion jockey Damien Oliver will take the ride as he looks set to continue his good association with Ryan's fillies having ridden Snitzerland to victory two starts back.
"We've had a lot of luck with Damien [Oliver] over the years so we're really looking forward to him jumping on board on Saturday," Ryan said.
Snitzerland remained unbeaten for this preparation when cruising to victory at Mooney Valley last start with Ryan very pleased to report all is well with his stable star.
"She pulled up very good after her last start and all of the reports out of Melbourne have been very good about her," Ryan said.
"She's bright and well and it's all onwards and upwards with her."
