Newcomer out for 2025 Pakenham Cup success

New connections of Post Impressionist and Warrnambool trainer Simon Ryan will chase valuable prize money in Saturday’s Listed Pakenham Cup as they look to recover part of the gelding’s purchase price.

A win in the 2500m staying feature would return $180,000—nearly covering the $225,000 owner Shane Morrissy paid to acquire the stayer from Lloyd and Nick Williams and James Packer following his effort in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m).

The long-range plan is the Warrnambool Cup (2300m), but Ryan is keen to pocket whatever prize money he can along the way.

Post Impressionist was originally trained in Australia by William Haggas, scoring at Rosehill in March 2024 before joining the Freedman stable.

“We’ve raced plenty together and there’s no point spelling him unnecessarily,” Ryan said.

“Horses can go wrong in the paddock. This race isn’t as strong as what he’s been in, and some of the others might be at the end of their preps.”

Ryan said the stayer arrived in excellent condition.

“He was in terrific order when he got to me, so we thought we’d give him a run since he’s been bought for Warrnambool,” he said.

“Shane’s from Torquay but a big Warrnambool man, so while the horse is fit, we’ll try for some prize money.”

The trainer expects Saturday’s run to be his final outing before a freshen-up.

“He had a nice bowl around over 2000m last weekend just to check his action and wind, and everything was good,” Ryan said.

“He’s been in work a while, so it was just maintenance. Only a heavy track would stop him running.”

Tom Madden will ride Post Impressionist in the Pakenham Cup.

Betting markets and odds for the race can be compared at Australia’s leading online bookmakers.