Conditions right for General in 2025 Theo Marks Stakes
Trainer Gerald Ryan admits General Salute must improve to halt Autumn Glow’s winning streak, but believes the sprinter has plenty going for him in Saturday’s Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill. The gelding comes off a third in the Show County Quality (1200m) on a heavy 10 at Randwick and now drops to a light 53.5kg, with conditions again expected to be wet.
“He’s got to go up another level,” Ryan said. “But he’s got no weight on his back, the barrier (nine) is fine, it’s his home track, 1300 metres is right for him, and he enjoys some moisture in the ground. Everything points to him – the question is whether he’s good enough to beat some of these.”
Ryan and co-trainer Sterling Alexiou also have Skyhook and King Of Pop lining up in the Run To The Rose (1200m). Skyhook, freshened since his dominant Rosebud (1100m) victory, has impressed his trainers, while King Of Pop will be ridden more patiently after over-racing in the San Domenico Stakes.
“He went too fast the other day,” Ryan said of King Of Pop. “He hasn’t drawn ideally – I’d rather barrier three than twelve – but we’ll ride him quieter and let him hit the line. Both colts are still heading towards the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) on September 27.”
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