Unbeaten colt Southend eyes breakthrough in Randwick Champagne Stakes
Experienced trainer Gerald Ryan has participated in multiple runnings of the Champagne Stakes yet to claim a win, but he reckons unbeaten colt Southend offers the chance to end that drought.
Williamsburg delivered his top finish in 2022 by taking third spot behind She's Extreme, while Flying Snitzel fought valiantly for fourth against Pierro back in 2012.
Those pair both prevailed in the Baillieu (1400m) leading into their elite-level test, mirroring the path Southend takes into Saturday's Randwick highlight after his latest conquest of the same event.
Now joined by Sterling Alexiou in training duties, Ryan reveals he was smitten with the juvenile from first sight at the yearling sales, making his promising track performances entirely expected.
"I have been excited about him ever since we bought him at the sales," Ryan said.
"He has been so straightforward, great natured, easy to get on with. And he's a lovely horse to look at. He reminds me of Lonhro.
"There's a photo when he won (the Baillieu) going past the post and he dead-set looks like Lonhro. Just his colour and his action and his ears."
With the Baillieu win, Southend became the pioneer Australian stakes victor sired by Palace Pier, Darley's double Group 1 mile king.
Preceding that was a debut score in the Paul Perry (1300m) at Newcastle on March 6, and according to Ryan, the colt has built momentum steadily en route to his key ambition.
"This horse was never going to go to the Sires' (Produce Stakes) He was always going to those two runs and if he was alright, to the Champagne," he said.
"He has come out of his last win terrific. He looks well. He's enjoying life, and he's a straightforward little horse."
Dylan Gibbons retains the partnership after steering Southend to success in his pair of starts, set for Randwick next Saturday.
Alongside the Champagne Stakes (1600m), the program includes two Group 1s with the All Aged Stakes (1400m) bringing back beloved Fangirl.
Check the leading online bookmakers for the latest markets on the Champagne Stakes.
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