Randwick feature to probe Matias' staying ability in Frank Packer Plate

The Frank Packer Plate at Randwick serves as Gerald Ryan's platform to assess Matias' staying power, yet he holds firm optimism that the three-year-old possesses the capacity for at least a mid-range trip.

Matias, triumphant in the December Grand Prix Stakes (1800m) at Eagle Farm, now ventures beyond that mark for the first time in Saturday's 2000m showdown.

A product of Snitzel – famed more for quick types but sire to the 2013 Cox Plate champ Shamus Award – from Never Listen, it's the maternal lineage that piques Ryan's interest.

"His first three dams have either won or been placed in an Oaks," Ryan said.

"Never Listen is by Trusting and she ran second in a VRC Oaks. Rose O' War is by Danehill, she ran second in a VRC Oaks and second in a Wakeful (Stakes). His third dam, Savana City, won an AJC Oaks."

Together with co-trainer Sterling Alexiou, Ryan targets a winter series in Queensland for Matias, with selections based on Saturday's Randwick display.

Should the 2000m prove taxing, the Queensland Guineas (1600m) on May 2 at Eagle Farm awaits, but a positive run opens paths to the Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben on May 16 or even the Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm a fortnight after.

"We'll go to the Frank Packer Plate and that will decide if we keep going to the Rough Habit Plate," Ryan said.

"If he doesn't look as though he'll get further than 2000 metres, then we'll bring him back to the Queensland Guineas."

On Saturday, Ryan looks for a sharp effort, considering Matias close to winning the last-start Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) after being caught inside in the run home.

"If he'd been able to come around the leaders' heels last start instead of going back inside, I reckon he nearly wins the race," he said.

"He's done terrific. His coat has come through, and he looks bright and well."

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